Russian Fighter Jets “Harass” US Drones Over Syria, Prompting Concerns
The U.S. military has released dramatic video footage of a tense encounter that took place over the skies of eastern Syria. Russian fighter jets were seen “harassing” three American military drones in an incident that a top Air Force general has labeled “unsafe and unprofessional behavior.” The encounter occurred during a mission against fighters with the Islamic State group.
Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the commander of the Ninth Air Force, which is responsible for U.S. Central Command, stated that Russia initiated the altercation by dropping multiple parachute flares and positioning one of its jets in front of an MQ-9 drone, reducing the operator’s ability to safely operate the aircraft. The general called on Russia to stop its reckless behavior and adhere to the standards of conduct expected of a professional air force.
This incident is part of a pattern of provocative flights by Russian jets over eastern Syria. It has prompted the United States to deploy F-22 Raptors to deter flights over American military bases in the region. According to defense officials, Russian jets have repeatedly violated established airspace deconfliction measures, increasing the risk of escalation or miscalculation.
The video footage, captured by multiple cameras and sensors aboard the MQ-9 Reaper drones, clearly shows the actions taken by the Russian fighter jets. They targeted the drones with parachuted flares and used afterburners in close proximity to the aircraft. The release of the video footage follows a similar incident in March, where a Russian pilot harassed an MQ-9 drone flying in international airspace above the Black Sea, resulting in a collision.
The safety of both U.S. and Russian forces is at stake due to these reckless actions. The incident underscores the need for adherence to established norms and protocols to ensure the security and stability of the region. The U.S. military remains committed to its mission of defeating ISIS, but incidents like these divert attention from that goal.
In response to the escalating situation, the U.S. military has deployed additional aircraft to deter Russian flights. The F-22 Raptors serve as a visible deterrent and a means of protecting American forces in the region. The U.S. Central Command has emphasized the importance of improved security and stability in the region, calling on Russia to respect agreed-upon airspace deconfliction measures.
Concerns over the behavior of Russian forces in Syria extend beyond this recent incident. Defense officials have noted numerous instances where Russian jets have overflown American bases without using the established safety line. These actions increase the risk of miscalculation and highlight the need for better adherence to protocols to prevent further incidents.
The U.S. military’s release of the video footage aims to bring attention to the alarming behavior exhibited by Russian fighter jets in the region. By highlighting these incidents, the hope is that Russia will recognize the potential dangers of their actions and take steps to prevent further escalation. The safety of U.S. and Russian forces, as well as the stability of the region, depend on adherence to established norms and protocols.
