For the second day in a row, a Russian military fighter jet has interacted with U.S. aircraft over Syria, escalating tensions between the two nations. This incident follows a similar encounter on Wednesday and a string of escalating confrontations in recent weeks. One of the most serious of these occurred on Sunday when a Russian SU-35v flew dangerously close to a U.S. MC-12 surveillance plane, jeopardizing the safety of the four American crew members on board. While the exact proximity of the Russian jet to the U.S. aircraft remains undisclosed, the incident mirrors a pattern of aggressive behavior by Russian forces in the region.

Earlier this month, the U.S. military released videos documenting Russian aircraft engaging in risky maneuvers near U.S. drones. The footage depicts Russian SU-35 fighters crossing into the flight paths of U.S.-operated MQ-9 Reaper drones, forcing the American drones to take evasive action. These drones were reportedly involved in an airstrike earlier that day that eliminated ISIS leader Usamah al-Muhajir in eastern Syria.

The U.S. military has strongly condemned these actions, calling on Russia to "cease this reckless behavior" and adhere to professional standards. The U.S. emphasizes that the safety of personnel and the ongoing mission against ISIS rely on the responsible conduct of all forces in the region.

Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Commander of the 9th Air Force and Combined Forces Air Component Commander for CENTCOM, reiterated the U.S. commitment to the safety and security of its personnel and assets. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration with partners and allies to address these incidents and prevent further escalation of tensions.

Approximately 900 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Syria, primarily working with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to combat ISIS militants.