WASHINGTON, July 26 (Reuters) - The White House reported on Wednesday that a second Russian aircraft had flown in dangerously close proximity to a U.S. drone operating over Syria. This incident occurred just days after another Russian fighter jet had caused severe damage to another U.S. drone in the same war-torn region, violating established protocols and international norms.
In a press briefing, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the reports of the latest encounter, stating, "We have received early reports of yet another Russian fighter aircraft dangerously approaching our drone during an ISIS defeat mission."
Jean-Pierre emphasized that the primary focus remains on the mission to defeat ISIS, as evidenced by a recent strike against an ISIS leader in Syria earlier this month.
In recent months, U.S. officials have noticed an escalation in the number of perilous encounters between Russian jets and U.S. military aircraft over Syria, where both nations have deployed their forces.
Russia's involvement in the Syrian civil war began in 2015, significantly influencing the balance in favor of President Bashar Al-Assad. Over the years, Moscow has expanded its military presence in the country, establishing a permanent air base and a naval base.
In response to the rise of the Islamic State militant group, the U.S. has been leading a coalition and conducting airstrikes in Syria this year. The campaign has targeted ISIS leaders, including the former head, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, who proclaimed himself the "caliph of all Muslims," before being killed in 2019. Despite losing territory in Iraq and Syria, the group still carries out insurgent attacks.
The situation in Syria remains complex, with both Russia and the U.S. pursuing their respective objectives in the war-torn region.
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