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Rear Admiral Vadim Kulit, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria, reported more violations of the country’s airspace by the United States-led coalition during a briefing on August 18.
The commander said that coalition fighter jets and drones violated the airspace over the southeastern area of al-Tanf 13 times the past day.
The coalition maintains a garrison surrounded by a 55-kilometer no-fly zone in al-Tanf. Some 200 U.S. troops are usually deployed there.
“Three pairs of the coalition’s F-16, one pair of F-35 and a pair of Rafale fighter jets, as well as by three MQ-1C multi-role unmanned aerial vehicles violated Syria’s airspace in the al-Tanf area, across which international air routes run, 13 times during the day,” he said.
According to Kulit, coalition drones also violated deconfliction protocols by carrying out nine flights over Syria without coordinating with the Russian military group in the country.
“The coalition’s aircraft continue creating dangerous situations in the sky over Syria, violating deconfliction protocols,” the commander added.
Earlier this week, a pair of F-35 fighter jets of the US-led coalition buzzed dangerously close to two Su-35 fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces over Syria. The quick and professional reaction prevented a collision with the American warplanes.
The coalition expanded its aerial operations over Syria in the last two months in what appears to be an attempt to intimidate the country’s government, who does not approve of its presence, and the Russian military there.
Commenting on the escalation in Syria, President Vladmir Putin said last month that Russia is ready for any scenario, but does not want a direct military clash with the U.S.
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