US-Russia Deconfliction Mechanism in Syria Works Effectively - Pentagon

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on deconfliction of Russian and US operations in Syrian airspace has been effective in preventing incidents, Defense Department spokesperson Peter Cook said in a briefing on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Since September 30, 2015, Russia has conducted its strikes campaign against Islamic State targets in Syria at request of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

“Engagements with aircraft, that’s the primary focus of the Memorandum of Understanding, and by large that has worked effectively to keep our air cruise at a safe distance from Russian air cruise,” Cook stated.

In October, US and Russian officials signed a memorandum of understanding concerning safety procedures for the two countries’ respective air missions in Syria.

“By large measure, the MOU has served its purpose, and we are pleased with that,” Cook reiterated.

A US-led coalition of 65 nations has been bombing Islamic State targets in Syria since September 2014, but without the approval of the Syrian government or the UN Security Council.