Russian fighter jet dangerously approaches US warplane, risking lives.
Russian Fighter Jet Buzzes Dangerously Close to US Warplane, Putting Lives in Jeopardy
A Russian fighter jet flew dangerously close to a U.S. surveillance aircraft over Syria, putting the lives of the four American crew members at risk, according to U.S. officials. The incident occurred on Sunday, just before noon, and marks a significant escalation in the ongoing encounters between U.S. and Russian aircraft in Syria.
The intercept by the Russian Su-35 impeded the U.S. crew’s ability to safely operate their MC-12 aircraft, the officials said, calling it a new level of unsafe behavior that could result in an accident or loss of life.
In recent weeks, Russian fighter jets have been harassing U.S. unmanned MQ-9 drones, but this latest incident is particularly alarming due to the direct threat it posed to American lives.
The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not disclose the exact proximity of the Russian jet to the U.S. warplane. However, they emphasized that the MC-12 aircraft, routinely used by special operations forces, was conducting surveillance in support of operations against Islamic State groups in Syria.
Over the past two weeks, Russian fighter jets have repeatedly flown dangerously close to MQ-9 Reapers, forcing evasive maneuvers and setting off flares. U.S. and Russian military officers have been communicating through a deconfliction phone line to protest each other’s actions during these encounters.
The U.S. is now considering various military options to address the escalating Russian aggression in Syrian airspace. These actions have complicated efforts to target an Islamic State group leader earlier this month. Despite the challenges, the U.S. remains committed to anti-Islamic State missions in the western part of the country and will not cede any territory.
The increased Russian military activity since March is a result of closer cooperation between Moscow, Tehran, and the Syrian government. Their objective is to pressure the U.S. to withdraw from Syria, where approximately 900 U.S. forces are currently stationed.
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