Russian Pilots Harass US Drones in Syria, Ryder Affirms Unwavering US Counter-ISIS Mission

Russian warplanes have been harassing American MQ-9 Reaper drones conducting surveillance missions over Syria, dropping flares and flying dangerously close to the drones. These unsafe tactics have raised concerns about safety in the region, as tensions between Russia and the US remain high. The Pentagon has called on the Russian military to cease their reckless behavior, dismissing claims that the drones were operating in a restricted area. In March, Russian pilots downed a Reaper drone over the Black Sea.