06/07/2023

Russian fighter jets harass US drones in Syrian airspace, prompting safety concerns

SYRIA — Commander of the Ninth Air Force and the Combined Forces Air Component Commander for US Central Command Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich revealed that Russian fighter jets harassed three US drones in the Syrian airspace on Wednesday during a mission against the Islamic State (ISIS). This incident marks at least the second occurrence of its kind this year.

In an official statement, Grynkewich declared that while three US MQ-9 Reaper drones were engaged in a mission targeting ISIS, three Russian fighter jets initiated the harassment.

Grynkewich further explained that Russian fighter jets disrupted the drones’ operation by deploying flares through parachutes in front of them, compelling the US drones to execute evasive maneuvers.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Grynkewich emphasized that these incidents exemplify the unprofessional and hazardous actions of the Russian Air Force in Syria. Such behavior poses a threat to the safety of both US and Russian forces. Consequently, Grynkewich called upon Russia to cease these reckless actions immediately.