Russia warns U.S. fighter pilots they’re a target over Syria now

The warning prompted Australia, a member of the coalition, to ground its fighter jets in Syria

In this image made from video provided by Russian Defence Ministry press service on Aug. 18, 2016, a Russian Su-34 unloads its bombs over a target in Syria.

By Josie Ensor

Russia warned Monday that it would treat British and American jets operating in parts of Syria where its air forces are present as “targets” after U.S. forces shot down a Syrian warplane for the first time in the six-year war.

Moscow, Syria’s main ally, announced that it would start tracking jets and drones of the U.S.-led coalition and halt an incident-prevention hotline with America, which was set up to avoid accidents in the crowded skies above Syria.

“Any flying objects, including planes and drones of the international coalition, discovered west of the Euphrates river will be tracked as aerial targets by Russia’s air defences on and above ground,” the defence ministry warned.


The Syrian SU-22 fighter bomber was shot down by an American F18 Super Hornet on Sunday after it had dropped bombs near the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces north of Raqqa, which is held by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Russian Defense Ministry

The U.S., which has special forces troops in the area, said it sent a warning to the Syrian military to stop targeting the forces and called on Russia to rein in its ally. Russia denied that it was informed of the planned strike.

Moscow condemned the US action, saying it flouted international law. “It is help to those terrorists that the US is fighting against, declaring they are carrying out an anti-terrorism policy,” Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, said, adding that it was a “dangerous escalation”.

The SDF, meanwhile, warned that it would retaliate against further regime attacks on its troops – a combination of Kurds and Arabs which are leading the fight for Isil’s self-styled capital Raqqa.

The Pentagon said in a statement that the coalition did “not seek to fight the Syrian regime, Russian or pro-regime forces” but will not “hesitate to defend itself or its “partnered forces from any threat”.

The US-led coalition has in recent weeks escalated its aerial bombing campaign in northern Syria and Raqqa province. On several occasions, its warplanes have also struck pro-government forces to prevent them advancing on a US-controlled garrison in south-eastern Syria.

The US military said Monday that it was repositioning its aircraft to ensure the safety of American air crews.

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