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The United States-led coalition announced that its forces held a series of operational exercises in Syria between July 1 and 4.
The ground and aerial operational exercises took place at a number of coalition bases in the northeastern governorates of al-Hasakah and Deir Ezzor as well as in al-Tanf garrison in the southeastern region.
In a statement, the coalition said that the exercises were held to ensure its continued capability to support its local proxies and protect its service members.
“Extensive planning and proper safety measures are taken before and during live fire rehearsals in order to protect the coalition and the local population,” the statement reads.
The Syrian Free Army, one of the coalition’s main proxies, shared photos from the exercise that was held at al-Tanf garrison.
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The exercise came amid high tensions between the U.S.-led coalition and Russia over alleged violation of the flight safety protocols over Syria.
In recent months, both sides exchanged accusations of unprofessional aerial operations over Syria. The coalition claimed full-armed Russian fighter jets were flying over its bases, while Russia said U.S. warplanes were activating their weapon systems against its air force.
The U.S.-led coalition maintains some 900 troops in Syria under the pretext of fighting ISIS. Damascus does not approve of this presence and consider it to be an occupation.
In what appears to be a response to the coalition’s recent exercises, joint Russian-Syrian air defense drills began on July 5. Fighter jets, air defenses and electronic warfare systems from both countries will take part in the drills, which will go on for six days.
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