The U.S. military has released video of a tense encounter over eastern Syria as Russian fighter jets were seen 'harassing' three American military drones carrying out a mission against fighters with the Islamic State group, official says.
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In a statement, the U.S. Air Force general in the Middle East labeled the run-in "unsafe and unprofessional behavior" and called on Russia to stop what he called "reckless behavior" that has been carried out by pilots flying over eastern Syria where the U.S. still has 900 troops assisting in anti-terrorism efforts.Wednesday's incident is the latest in a string of dozens of what officials describe as provocative Russian flights over eastern Syria, which prompted the U.S.
A frame from video released by the U.S. that officials said shows drones in Syria being harassed by Russian jets on Wednesday, July 5.Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the commander of the Ninth Air Force and the combined forces air component commander for U.S. Central Command, said in a statement that Russia initiated the altercation.
"Additionally, one Russian pilot positioned their aircraft in front of an MQ-9 and engaged afterburner, thereby reducing the operator’s ability to safely operate the aircraft," he said.
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