Russian jets harass US drone aircraft over Syria for the 2nd time in 24 hours

By LOLITA C. BALDOR and TARA COPP
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Air Force says Russian fighter jets flew dangerously close to U.S. drone aircraft over Syria again Thursday, setting off flares and forcing the MQ-9 Reapers to take evasive maneuvers. It was the second time in two days Russia has harassed U.S. drones there. New Air Force video shows a Russian fighter jet dropping flares in front of the Reaper while flying dangerously close. The incident follows a similar incursion Wednesday where Russia dropped a number of the so-called parachute flares into the drone’s flight path. The head of U.S. Central Command says Russia’s actions “increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation.” The drones weren’t armed and are commonly used for reconnaissance missions.