Damascus : On Sunday, just before noon EDT, a Russian fighter jet engaged in a risky maneuver by flying dangerously close to a U.S. surveillance aircraft over Syria. The incident forced the American crew members aboard the MC-12 aircraft to navigate through turbulent wake, putting their lives at risk, according to U.S. officials.

This encounter marks a significant escalation in the series of recent interactions between U.S. and Russian aircraft in Syria. The Russian Su-35's intercept of the U.S. aircraft hindered the crew's ability to safely operate, leading officials to describe the behavior as an entirely new level of recklessness that could potentially result in an accident or loss of life.

While U.S. MQ-9 drones have faced repeated harassment from Russian fighter jets in recent weeks, this incident stands out due to the direct threat posed to American lives. Despite protests conveyed through a deconfliction phone line, the situation remains tense in the skies over Syria.

In response to the increasing Russian aggression in the region, the U.S. is considering various military options. This aggression has complicated efforts to target an Islamic State group leader, but the U.S. remains steadfast in its commitment to conducting anti-Islamic State missions in Syria's western part.

The rise in Russian military activity since March has been attributed to growing coordination between Moscow, Tehran, and the Syrian government, aimed at pressuring the U.S. to withdraw from Syria. Currently, there are approximately 900 U.S. forces in the country, with periodic deployments to conduct operations against Islamic State group militants.