Russian fighter jets repeatedly harass American drones over Syria, threatening safety and escalating tensions

Russian fighter jets flew dangerously close to US drone aircraft over Syria multiple times over three days, dropping flares and forcing evasive maneuvers.
The US military condemned Russia's actions as reckless, unprofessional and threatening the safety of Coalition forces.
Russia and Syria began joint military exercises as Russia expressed concern over US-led coalition drone flights in northern Syria.
The US and France faced unsafe encounters with Russian jets during counter-ISIS operations in eastern Syria.
Tensions remain high between US and Russian troops in Syria due to frequent patrols, overflights and different allegiances in the Syrian civil war.