Kiev: Tensions between Russia and the U.S.-led coalition in Syria escalated further as Russia reported that two drones from the coalition dangerously approached Russian Su-35 military jets on Sunday. The incident occurred over Raqqa and the Mediterranean Sea, deepening the ongoing strife between the two nations in the war-ravaged region.
Rear Admiral Vadim Kulit, the deputy head of the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria, disclosed that the drones came within a mere 50 meters of the Russian jets. Swift action by the Russian pilots averted a collision, with Kulit stating that they undertook "necessary measures" to ensure safety.
Labeling these encounters as "provocative" and "unacceptable," Kulit firmly urged the U.S.-led coalition to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.
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The U.S.-led coalition has yet to respond to the allegations raised by Russia.
This incident unfolds amidst an atmosphere of heightened tension between Russia and the United States within Syrian airspace. Recent months have witnessed a series of dangerously close encounters involving Russian and U.S. aircraft.
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In a previous occurrence in July, a Russian fighter jet fired a flare at a U.S. drone over Syria, causing damage to its propeller. U.S. military officials rebuked Russia for violating established protocols and international norms.
Beyond these airspace skirmishes, the two nations remain at odds over the future trajectory of Syria. Russia lends support to President Bashar al-Assad's government, while the United States and its allies stand in favor of the opposition.
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The repercussions of escalating tensions between Russia and the U.S. within Syria's borders bear the potential to destabilize the entire region. The risk of inadvertent misjudgment or accidents could inadvertently trigger a broader conflict, exacerbating an already volatile situation.