US calls on Russia to cease 'irresponsible behaviour' in Syria after drone hit with flare


  • World
  • Saturday, 29 Jul 2023

SYDNEY (Reuters) - The U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday called on Russia to abide by the laws of the sky and cease "irresponsible behaviour" when asked about Russian attacks on U.S. drones in Syria.

The U.S. military said a MQ-9 drone over Syria was "severely" damaged when it was hit with a flare from a Russian fighter jet earlier this week, the latest in a series of close interactions between Russian and U.S. military aircraft in the region.

"We call upon the Russian leadership to make sure that they issue guidance to their troops to abide by the laws of the sky and make sure that they cease this irresponsible behaviour," Austin said, when asked about the incident in a news conference in Brisbane, Australia.

Austin and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken are in Australia for the annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial (AUSMIN) dialogue.

"We'll continue to engage using the established channels to convey our concern and we'll continue to engage senior leadership as appropriate. But, again, we will continue to operate, as we have always operated in the airspaces, and we will protect our interests and our resources," said Austin.

(Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In World

German liberals bat away Greens' peace offering on coalition
Spain earmarks 10.6 billion euros in loans, grants to flood victims
Polls open in US as millions prepare to vote
Bluetongue virus threatens Sardinia's historic sheep farming industry
G7 and allies warn Russia over use of North Korean troops in Ukraine
Russian missile kills six, injures 20 in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia
Prince William meets President Ramaphosa on South Africa trip
In her Indian grandfather's village, residents pray for Kamala Harris win
Erdogan ally floats Turkey constitutional amendment to let him extend his tenure
Irish PM to call general election this week

Others Also Read