U.S. releases video of Russian fighter jets harassing American drones over Syria

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russian fighter jets flew dangerously near a number of U.S. drone plane over Syria on Wednesday, setting off flares and forcing the MQ-9 Reapers to take evasive maneuvers, the Air Force mentioned.

U.S. Air Forces Central launched a video of the encounter, displaying a Russian SU-35 fighter closing in on a Reaper, and later confirmed various the so-called parachute flares transferring into the drone’s flight path. The flares are hooked up to parachutes.

Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, commander of ninth Air Force within the Middle East, mentioned three of the U.S. drones had been working over Syria after 10:30 a.m. native time, on a mission towards the Islamic State group which was not detailed, when three of the Russian plane “began harassing the drones.”

In a press release, Grynkewich mentioned one of many Russian pilots moved their plane in entrance of a drone and engaged the SU-35’s afterburner, which vastly will increase its pace and air strain. The jet blast from the afterburner can doubtlessly injury the Reaper’s electronics, and Grynkewich mentioned it decreased the drone operator’s skill to securely function the plane.

“Russian military aircraft engaged in unsafe and unprofessional behavior while interacting with U.S. aircraft in Syria,” he mentioned, including that the actions threaten the protection of the U.S. and Russian forces. “We urge Russian forces in Syria to cease this reckless behavior and adhere to the standards of behavior expected of a professional air force so we can resume our focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS.”

Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, mentioned in a press release that Russia’s violation of ongoing efforts to clear the airspace over Syria “increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation.”