Russian fighter jets have been engaging in aggressive maneuvers against US drones over Syria for several days. This reckless behavior has prompted US officials to express concern about the escalation of tensions in the region.
According to reports, Russian fighters have been firing flares at the drones and flying dangerously close to them, forcing the drones to take evasive maneuvers to avoid collisions. This behavior has been described by US officials as “unprofessional” and potentially dangerous.
The US Air Forces Central released a statement acknowledging the continued harassment of US drones by Russian fighter aircraft. The statement revealed that three MQ-9 drones were once again harassed by Russian fighters during a two-hour encounter. The Russian aircraft flew 18 unprofessional close passes, causing the drones to react to avoid unsafe situations.
This is not the first time that Russian fighters have targeted US drones. In the past two days, Russian fighters have engaged in aggressive maneuvers around at least six NATO aircraft, including the targeted attacks against US Reaper and MQ-9 drones.
US Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the commander of US Air Forces Central, expressed concern about these incidents and emphasized the importance of working with partners and allies to address them and prevent any escalation of tensions in the region.
It is worth noting that the Russian military rewards pilots for actions like downing US drones. This disturbing trend was highlighted in a previous incident in mid-March, where an American MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down over the Black Sea. Grynkewich criticized the Russian military for giving medals for “buffoonery in the air,” questioning their professionalism and motives.
The Department of Defense has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these recent incidents. However, it is clear that the US officials are taking these actions seriously and are working to address the situation through diplomatic channels and coordination with allies.
The continued aggression shown by Russian fighter pilots towards US drones raises concerns about the potential for a dangerous escalation in the region. The US government will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of its assets and personnel in the area.
It is essential for all parties involved to engage in dialogue and de-escalation efforts to avoid any further tensions and potential conflicts. The stability and security of the region depend on the responsible actions of all parties involved.
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