Russia Reports Ten More Violations Of Syria’s Airspace By U.S.-Led Coalition

An U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 25, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Sommers

United States-led coalition fighter jets and drones violated Syria’s airspace ten times over the southeastern area of al-Tanf during the past day, Rear Admiral Vadim Kulit, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria, reported on September 15.

In a briefing, the commander said that the violations were carried out by two pairs of F-35, a pair of F-16 and a pair of Typhoon fighter jets as well as two MQ-1C combat drones.

Kulit also reported 13 violations of the U.S.-Russian deconfliction protocols over Syria by coalition drones during the same period.

“The coalition continues to create dangerous situations that may cause air accidents or incidents and escalate the situation in Syria’s airspace,” he said.

The U.S.-led coalition maintains a garrison in al-Tanf and several bases at key oil and gas fields in the northeastern governorates of Deir Ezzor and al-Hasakah under the pretext of fighting ISIS without the approval of the Syrian government.

Around two months ago, the coalition began attempts to expand its aerial operations over Syria without any coordination. This created several dangerous situations and caused unprecedented tensions with the Russian military group in the country.

Commenting on the escalation in Syria, President Vladmir Putin said in July that Russia is ready for any scenario, but does not want a direct military clash with the U.S.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC:

• Five Syrian Service Members Killed In Drone Attack Followed By Raid In Northern Lattakia
• Turkish Drone Strike On Northern Syria Leaves Four SDF Fighters Dead Or Wounded