A Syrian regime aircraft, after attacking U.S.-backed forces in Syria, was shot down by a U.S. fighter jet Sunday.
The news of the attack comes from the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve coalition in the region. A Syrian SU-22 was shot down by a F/A-18E Super Hornet in a “show of force” after the Syrian fighter bombed an area near a group of Syrian Democratic Forces.
The coalition acted “in accordance with rules of engagement and in collective self-defense of Coalition partnered forces,” according to the task force’s statement. The engagement represents the first time a U.S. aircraft has shot down an aircraft belonging to the Bashar al-Assad regime.
“The Coalition’s mission is to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The Coalition does not seek to fight Syrian regime, Russian, or pro-regime forces partnered with them, but will not hesitate to defend Coalition or partner forces from any threat,” said the coalition statement. “The Coalition presence in Syria addresses the imminent threat ISIS in Syria poses globally. The demonstrated hostile intent and actions of pro-regime forces toward Coalition and partner forces in Syria conducting legitimate counter-ISIS operations will not be tolerated.”
