US urges Russia to stop ‘irresponsible actions’ in Syria after drone incident

SYDNEY (Reuters) – The US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has urged Russia to adhere to international airspace laws and put an end to “reckless behavior” following recent attacks on US drones in Syria.

The US military has reported that a MQ-9 drone was severely damaged by a flare launched from a Russian fighter jet in Syria earlier this week. This incident is the latest in a series of close encounters between Russian and US military aircraft in the region.

“We call upon the Russian leadership to ensure that their troops are guided by the laws governing airspace and to cease this reckless behavior,” Austin stated during a press conference in Brisbane, Australia, where he and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are attending the annual Australia-US Ministerial (AUSMIN) dialogue.

Austin also emphasized that the US will continue utilizing established communication channels to express concerns and engage with senior leadership. He asserted that the US will maintain its operations in airspace and protect its interests and resources.

Reporting from Praveen Menon; Editing by Lincoln Feast.