9 Dec 2017 16:10

Russian Defense Ministry puzzled by Pentagon claims about U.S. having own airspace in Syria

MOSCOW. Dec 9 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Defense Ministry reminded to the United States that Syria is a sovereign state, and expressed its bewilderment at Pentagon officials' statements that the U.S. has its own airspace in Syria.

"Claims by U.S. army representatives that there is a part of airspace in Syria that belongs to the U.S. are bewildering," Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said on Saturday.

"Pentagon representatives should remember that Syria is a sovereign state and UN member, so the U.S. never had and cannot have its 'own' sky here," Konashenkov said.

"Unlike the Russian Aerospace Forces, the aviation of the U.S.-led international coalition is operating in Syria illegally," he said.