The US forces in Syria are subjected to increasing Russian pressure
The commander of the US Air Force and Central Command, General Alexus Grynkewich, said that the Russian presence in Syria has become “more aggressive” against the US forces present there, since the Russian war on Ukraine.
The general in charge of the US Air Force in the Middle East said on Monday that US forces in Syria are under increasing pressure in the air and on the ground from the Russians.
Adding, as quoted by CNN, said: “It is a bit worrying, as we have troops on the ground and armed Russian planes flying overhead.
Pilots and air navigators are in close contact with the Russians every day, intercepting them and escorting them and making sure that our forces on the ground remain safe in Syria and Iraq.
The US general considered, during a panel discussion at the Aviation, Space, and Cyberspace Conference, which was held in the US state of Maryland yesterday, that these pressures are being driven by some figures of the Russian leadership present in Syria.
Last month, Russian media published a recording showing Russian military helicopters flying over US bases in al Hasakah.
According to the “RusVesna” website, which specializes in posting Russian military movements in Syria, the Russian air force fighters flew over the Derik and Hemo bases in the al Hasakah countryside, northeastern Syria.
The website commented, “Russian Air Force pilots, who often fly with friendly intentions, remind military personnel of the international anti-terrorist coalition that they are expected to be at home”.
Russia also targeted the US base of al Tanf, on the border in southern Syria, last June, in a “rare” move, which US officials considered that Moscow wanted to “send a message”.
CNN said at the time that the Russian air strikes are highly calculated, as they come when tensions escalate between Washington and Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
The Pentagon is trying to ensure that tensions do not escalate with Russian forces, including in Syria, where the two sides have worked in close proximity to each other for several years.
