Vladimir Putin in Ankara. Photo: Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images
Russia has been jamming some U.S. drones over Syrian airspace, seriously impacting military operations, four U.S. officials told NBC News’ Courtney Kube. Russia reportedly began jamming other, smaller U.S. drones weeks ago after suspected chemical weapons attacks in eastern Ghouta.
Why: The Russians were concerned the U.S. would retaliate in response to the attacks, and tried jamming U.S. GPSs to prevent an attack, per Kube.
What the Pentagon is saying: Pentagon spokesperson Eric Pahon would not reveal whether military operations were affected, citing operational security. Pahon said the Pentagon “maintains sufficient countermeasures and protections to ensure the ability of our manned and unmanned aircraft, and our forces to carry out their assigned missions.”