WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US-led coalition forces on the ground, Rankine-Galloway added, were safe.
"The Syrian Air Force conducted strikes against ground forces in the area vicinity of Hasakah yesterday," Rankine-Galloway said. "Coalition aircraft came to the area in response, as a measure to protect Coalition forces operating in the area."
"We immediately contacted the Russians via the MOU channel, established for de-confliction and to ensure the safety of Coalition forces and their counter-ISIL [Daesh] efforts," Rankine-Galloway said.
The spokesperson added that the Russian military said its aircraft did not participate in the strikes near Hasakah.
"We made clear that Coalition aircraft would defend its troops on the ground if threatened," Rankine-Galloway said on Friday. "The Syrian Regime would be well advised not to interfere with Coalition forces or its partners."