US, Russian jets hold joint training flights in Syria

WASHINGTON

U.S. and Russian fighter jets conducted a joint training exercise above Syria on Tuesday, according to an American defense official.

"The purpose of the test was to validate the safety protocols established the memorandum of understanding," a Pentagon official told Anadolu Agency, referring to a recent agreement signed between the two countries.

"The test was conducted in the skies of south central Syria and lasted about 3 minutes," said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "This test was a prudent measure solely to ensure that, in the event coalition aircraft encounter a Russian aircraft during operations in Syria, one of the established and agreed upon modes of communication in the agreement functioned."

Russian and U.S. defense officials held a series of talks on air safety in the war-torn country after the Moscow intervened in Syria and launched airstrikes against opposition targets in late September.

Washington and Moscow last month signed the agreement on de-confliction.