' as Moscow's aggression in the skies escalates after string of encounters A Russian SU-35 jet flew perilously close to a US surveillance aircraft over Syria, forcing it through the turbulent wake and putting the lives of four crew in danger, US officials said.
Sunday's dramatic encounter was deemed a significant escalation from a string of clashes between US and Russian aircraft in Syria in recent weeks.
The interception impeded the US crew's ability to safely operate their MC-12 recon plane, calling it a new level of unsafe behavior that could result in accident or loss of life, officials said on Monday.
Russian fighter jets have repeatedly harassed U.S. unmanned MQ-9 drones through July, but the latest clash raised alarms because it endangered American lives.
Poster Comment:
Some context: Syria allows Russia in Syria but wants the US to leave.