In another instance of tensions between the United States and Russia, Russian SU-35 fighter aircraft dangerously flew US MQ-9 aircraft on Wednesday over Syria.
During the encounter, the Russian fighters deployed parachute flares in the flight path of the US MQ-9 aircraft, deviating from established norms and protocols.
US Air Forces Central released a video of the encounter, showing the Russian Russian military aircraft engaged in unsafe and unprofessional behavior while interacting with US aircraft in Syria.

“Three US MQ-9 drones were conducting a mission against ISIS targets, three Russian fighter jets began harassing the drones. Against established norms and protocols, the Russian jets dropped multiple parachute flares in front of the drones, forcing our aircraft to conduct evasive maneuvers,” Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, commander of 9th Air Force in the Middle East, said.
“Additionally, one Russian pilot positioned their aircraft in front of an MQ-9 and engaged afterburner, thereby reducing the operator’s ability to safely operate the aircraft,” Grynkewich said in the statement.
“These events represent another example of unprofessional and unsafe actions by Russian air forces operating in Syria, which threaten the safety of both US and Russian forces. We urge Russian forces in Syria to cease this reckless behavior and adhere to the standards of behavior expected of a professional air force so we can resume our focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS,” Grynkewich said.
However, No details about the drone operation were provided and it’s not clear where over Syria the incidents took place.