In a concerning incident that highlights an escalation in encounters between U.S. and Russian aircraft in Syria, a Russian fighter jet dangerously approached a U.S. surveillance aircraft, jeopardizing the lives of the American crew, U.S. officials said Monday. This recent event marks a worrisome departure from previous encounters involving harassment of U.S. drones, as it directly endangers American lives.
The incident involved a Russian Su-35 fighter jet, which impeded the safe operation of the U.S. MC-12 surveillance aircraft. The close encounter posed an imminent risk of accidents or loss of life, raising tensions between the two military forces operating in the Syrian airspace. The exact proximity between the Russian jet and the U.S. warplane was not disclosed, but the severity of the encounter underscores the potential dangers involved.
Both the U.S. and Russian military officials have established a deconfliction phone line to address concerns and protest each other’s actions during such encounters. The purpose of this communication channel is to prevent misunderstandings and potential clashes. However, this recent incident raises doubts about the effectiveness of such measures and the commitment to ensuring the safety of military personnel.
The U.S., in response to the increasing aggression displayed by Russian forces in Syrian airspace, is now actively considering military options, according to a senior defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity. This development underlines the gravity of the situation and the need for decisive action to protect American personnel and interests.
The intensified Russian military activity in Syria is believed to be part of a collaboration between Moscow, Tehran, and the Syrian regime aimed at pressuring the United States to leave the region. Currently, there are approximately 900 U.S. forces stationed in Syria, engaged in missions against ISIS militants. The Russian actions threaten to destabilize the delicate balance in the conflict-ridden country, adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing situation.
