US-Russia Deconfliction in Syria Obliges Russian Pilots to Speak English

The United States and Russia continue technical-level discussions to conclude a memorandum on the flight safety during air missions over Syria.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The deconfliction agreement on operation of US and Russia’s air forces in Syria will oblige Russian pilots to communicate in English, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a briefing on Monday.

“This [deconfliction] is ensuring that when pilots are operating that they are using internationally recognized communications channels, that they are speaking English, so that we can avoid mishaps,” Earnest said.

The last round of talks between Washington and Moscow was held on October 14 by video conference.

Earlier on Monday, the Pentagon told RIA Novosti that the text of an agreement on deconfliction could be released as early as Tuesday.

Russian jets commenced precision airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria on September 30, following a request from Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The US-led international coalition has been conducting airstrikes against Islamic State extremists in Syria since 2014 without the approval of either the UN Security Council or Damascus.