Pentagon: US does not want conflicts in Syria, but will protect itself and partners under threat
The United States does not seek to create conflicts in Syria, but intends to defend itself or its partners in the event of a threat ,as stated by an official spokesman of the US Department of Defense, Naval Captain Jeff Davis, commenting on a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defense that the coalition’s aircraft and drones west of the Euphrates in Syria will be targeted by the Russia’s anti-aircraft systems.
"We are aware of these Russian statements. We do not seek conflict with any party in Syria other than ISIS, but we will not hesitate to defend ourselves or our partners if threatened,” said the Department of Defense's spokesman, whose words were cited by the Washington Examiner newspaper.
After a Su-22 Syrian fighter-bomber was shot down by a US Air Force plane, the Russian Defense Department stated that the Russian Air Defense would target Coalition’s planes and drones west of the Euphrates in Syria. In addition, the Defense Ministry said that since June 19, Russia has ceased to cooperate with the American side within the framework of a memorandum on the prevention of incidents and ensuring the safety of aviation during operations in Syria.