US Accuses Russia of ‘Harassing’ Drones in Syria

Thu Jul 06 2023
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WASHINGTON: In a recent development, the United States has levelled allegations against Russian fighter jets for engaging in perilous manoeuvres in close proximity to American drones in Syrian airspace.

These occurrences prompted the MQ-9 Reapers to execute evasive actions while releasing flares to deter the incoming threat.

US Air Forces Central released a compelling video capturing Wednesday’s encounter, which showed a Russian SU-35 fighter aircraft menacingly approaching the drone, Al Jazeera reported.

Detailed comments provided by the air force clarified that the footage showed the Russian pilot adroitly positioning his aircraft in front of the Reaper, activating the afterburner, and thereby drastically escalating its speed and air pressure. This deliberate tactic substantially impeded the drone’s operational capabilities.

Furthermore, parachute flares were deployed during the incident. “The Russian SU-35 fighter aircraft employed parachute flares in the flight path of US MQ-9 aircraft,” remarked the air force. “This brazen action contravenes established norms and protocols, compelling US aircraft to execute evasive manoeuvres.”

Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, the commander of the Ninth Air Force in the Middle East, disclosed that three US drones were airborne at the time of the incident on Wednesday morning. In a statement, he accused the Russian aircraft of “harassing the drones,” underscoring the drones’ involvement in a mission against ISIL (ISIS).

He further expounded, stating, “Russian military aircraft engaged in unsafe and unprofessional behaviour while interacting with US aircraft in Syria.” He added that these actions not only jeopardized the safety of US forces but also posed a threat to Russian forces as well.

Army General Erik Kurilla, the esteemed head of US Central Command, expressed concern over Russia’s breach of ongoing efforts to establish clear airspace over Syria. He emphasized that such violations “increase the risk of escalation or miscalculation.”

900 US forces deployed in Syria

With approximately 900 US forces deployed in Syria, collaborating with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces against ISIL, this incident raises significant apprehensions. Regrettably, no further particulars regarding the drone operation were disclosed, and the statements did not divulge the precise location of these incidents.

The escalating tensions resulting from these encounters necessitate diplomatic deliberation and concerted efforts to avert further misunderstandings and potential confrontations in the Syrian theatre.

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