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Washington, DC – Despite the recurring incidents of Russian interference with U.S. aircraft operations in Syria, the U.S. is unwavering in its mission to defeat ISIS, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.
Ryder’s statement comes in the aftermath of a recent episode wherein Russian SU-35 fighter aircraft unsafely engaged with three U.S. MQ-9 drones conducting anti-ISIS operations.
Ryder slammed the encounter as a glaring display “clearly unprofessional and unsafe behavior on the part of the Russians.”
“You’ve heard us say before that our focus in Syria is purely on the defeat ISIS mission and that will continue to be our focus,” he said. “Like [U.S. Air Forces Central], we call on the Russian forces to cease this type of reckless behavior and behave like professional airmen.”
In the reported incident, Russian pilots deployed several parachute flares ahead of the drones, necessitating evasive maneuvers by the U.S. aircraft. One Russian pilot activated their aircraft’s afterburner while in front of one of the MQ-9s, impeding the safe operation of the U.S. drone.
Subsequent to Ryder’s comments, U.S. Air Forces Central reported another separate occurrence today involving Russian aircraft harassing U.S. MQ-9s in Syrian airspace.
During this recent event, Russian SU-34 and SU-35 aircraft discharged flares in the flight path of the MQ-9 and flew alarmingly close, endangering all parties involved.
“These events represent another example of unprofessional and unsafe actions by Russian air forces operating in Syria, which threaten the safety of both coalition and Russian forces,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the commander of U.S. Air Forces Central.
Grynkewich reiterated the call to Russian forces to “abandon such reckless actions and uphold the standards expected of a professional air force, allowing us to redirect our attention towards the enduring defeat of ISIS.”
“The U.S. Air Forces Central remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its personnel and assets and continues to work closely with partners and allies to address these incidents and prevent any escalation of tensions in the region,” he said. “The safety of military personnel and the success of the mission against ISIS depend on the professional and responsible conduct of all forces operating in the region.”
Source: Dept. of Defense
