World.
July 5, 2023 / 9:34 PM / CBS News
On Wednesday, authorities announced that Russia.n fighter jets were harassing targets in Syria. as part of a military operation against the Islamic State. This incident marks at least the second such occurrence this year.
According to a statement from Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich, the commander of the Ninth Air Force and Air Force Central Command, three Russia.n fighter jets engaged Reaper MQ-9 drones at approximately 10:40 a.M. Local time.
Grynkewich stated that the jets deviated from the established norms and protocols by executing evasive maneuvers, which led to the subsequent deployment of multiple parachute flares in front of the drones.
One of the Russia.n pilots positioned their jet in front of the drone and engaged the afterburner, reducing the ability of the drone operator to safely operate the aircraft. Grynkewich said this.
He characterized the actions of the Russia.n pilots as “incompetent and hazardous.”
Grynkewich stated, “In order to maintain our professional image, we need to prioritize the ongoing battle against ISIS. and adhere to the expected standards of behavior. We strongly urge Russia.n forces in Syria. to cease this reckless behavior.”
The Air Force released drone footage of the incident.
The Pentagon released a video in March showing a Russia.n fighter jet colliding with a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone, causing the drone to crash into the Black Sea. This is the second confrontation between Russia.n fighter jets and U.S. Drone.s that occurred this year, at least.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated, “in a secure and proficient way,” that the American military planes will keep operating in Russia. and continue to fly to the United States wherever permissible by international law, and it is the responsibility of the United States to do so.
According to the Air Force, the primary purpose of an MQ-9 Reaper drone is intelligence gathering, although it can also be equipped with up to eight laser-guided Hellfire missiles.
– Tucker Reals and Alex Sundby made contributions to this report.
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