Russian forces are planning to conduct joint military exercises with the Russian air force, air defence forces, and their counterparts in the Syrian regime. The exercises are scheduled to take place for six days, starting on Wednesday.
Admiral Oleg Gorynov, the head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria, announced on Tuesday that the exercises will focus on coordinating the actions of aviation, air defence, and electronic warfare forces in response to air strikes. This information was reported by the Russian news agency Sputnik.
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Gorynov also stated that nine incidents of violating aviation safety rules by drones belonging to the U.S.-led international counterterrorism coalition were reported in northern Syria last Monday. He emphasized that the increasing number of unauthorized flights contributes to escalating tensions and hampers constructive cooperation. He further clarified that the Russian side does not bear any responsibility for the safety of such uncoordinated drone flights.
Furthermore, Deputy Head of the Russian Reconciliation Center, Oleg Gorenov, disclosed that in June 2023, there were 315 instances of violations related to drone flights and coalition aviation, highlighting a significant increase compared to the previous year. Gorenov characterized these violations as targeted and systematic.
Tensions between Russian and U.S. forces have risen in recent months, particularly concerning the implementation of disengagement protocols in Syria. One notable incident involved the Director of Public Affairs of the Central American Air Force (AFCENT), Teresa Sullivan, who stated on June 11 that the Russian military had deviated from expected professional standards and deliberately violated agreements. Sullivan clarified that US forces maintained a de-escalation posture by refraining from engaging or directing weapons toward Russian aircraft.
Currently, U.S. forces are deployed in the governorates of Hassakeh, Raqqa, and Deir-ez-zor, which fall under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the eastern Euphrates area.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
