The latest incident raised alarms because it endangered American lives, U.S. officials said.
A Russian Su-35 flies near a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone on July 5, 2023, over Syria. | U.S. Air Force via APWASHINGTON — A Russian fighter jet flew very close to a U.S. surveillance aircraft over Syria, forcing it to go through the turbulent wake and putting the lives of the four American crew members in danger, U.S. officials said Monday.
The officials said the incident, which happened just before noon EDT on Sunday, was a significant escalation in what has been a string of encounters between U.S. and Russian aircraft in Syria in recent weeks. 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 repeatedly harassed U.S. unmanned MQ-9 drones, but the latest incident raised alarms because it endangered American lives. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a military operation, would not say how close the Russian jet got to the U.S. warplane. The MC-12, which is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft routinely used by special operations forces, was doing surveillance in support of operations against the Islamic State groups in Syria, the officials said.
On multiple occasions in the past two weeks, Russian fighter jets flew dangerously close to MQ-9 Reapers, setting off flares and forcing the drones to take evasive maneuvers. U.S. and Russian military officers communicate frequently over a deconfliction phone line during the encounters, protesting the other side’s actions.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russian fighter jet flies dangerously close to US warplane over SyriaA Russian fighter jet flew very close to a U.S. surveillance aircraft over Syria, forcing it to go through the turbulent wake and putting the lives of the four American crew members in danger, U.S. officials said Monday.
Read more »
Russian intelligence agent pleads not guilty to supplying American-made electronics, ammunition to RussiaA Russian intelligence officer has pleaded not guilty to money laundering and smuggling U.S. electronics and ammunition on behalf of Russia, the Justice Department said.
Read more »
Iraq's Sudani meets Syria's Assad to boost bilateral co-operationIraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al Sudani holds talks with the Syrian regime's head Bashar al Assad in the capital Damascus in the first official visit by an Iraqi premier in 13 years
Read more »
Russia increasing unprofessional activity against U.S. forces in SyriaRussia's activity against U.S. forces in Syria is increasing, and so is its unprofessional nature, making the recent uptick 'qualitatively different' than in the past, says a senior defense official.
Read more »
American Horror Story Season 12 Continues A Problematic Horror TrendAmerican Horror Story: Delicate sees season 12 of the anthology show touch on a topic that has been central to countless horror flops in recent years.
Read more »
Fixes for San Francisco's 'doom loop' can help every American cityInsider tells the global tech, finance, markets, media, healthcare, and strategy stories you want to know.
Read more »