Russia Warns "US Troops Stationed in Syria Could Be Subject to Airstrikes," Warning of Possible Direct Confrontation

Recommendation for US Troop Withdrawal from the Area via Hotline
Military Provocations Intensify as Ukraine War Stalemate Deepens

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] Russia has reportedly warned that it may carry out airstrikes on U.S. military bases stationed in Syria and advised the U.S. forces to withdraw from the area. Amid escalating tensions between the two countries over the Ukraine war and sanctions against Russia, this is seen as a provocation suggesting the possibility of direct attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East.

On the 16th (local time), CNN cited U.S. Department of Defense officials saying, "Russia warned earlier this week that it would conduct airstrikes on local militias cooperating with the U.S. in southeastern Syria," and reported, "The Russian military informed that U.S. military bases are nearby and that U.S. forces should withdraw from the area."

CNN reported that this notification was delivered through a hotline operated to prevent direct clashes between U.S. and Russian forces. Department of Defense officials told CNN, "Russia appears to have issued the warning considering the potential issues that would arise if U.S. soldiers were harmed in the airstrikes," but also added, "On the other hand, it is highly likely that the message was sent as a provocative signal that Russia can attack U.S. forces in the Middle East at any time without fear of retaliation."

As the Ukraine war prolongs and the stalemate in the Donbas region increases Russian casualties, coupled with the prolonged economic damage from Western sanctions led by the U.S., it is analyzed that military provocations against the U.S. could occur anywhere.

Previously, there have been several accidental clashes between U.S. and Russian forces in the Syria region. In August 2020, reports indicated that multiple U.S. soldiers were injured in a clash with a Russian military convoy in eastern Syria, and in February 2018, soldiers from the Russian private military company Wagner Group engaged in combat with U.S. forces.

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