US military activates communication channel with Russia amid Syria conflict

The U.S. military has activated a communication channel with Russia to address recent developments in Syria, Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder confirmed on Wednesday.

This step aims to prevent any potential miscalculations as U.S. and Russian forces operate close to the region.

Pentagon confirms ongoing communication with Russia

Ryder explained that the hotline between the U.S. military and Russian forces is being used to ensure open lines of communication, particularly given the increasing proximity of forces in Syria.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining these channels to avoid any unintended clashes.

"My understanding is that the Combined Joint Task Force—Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTFOIR) commander has used the hotline to ensure we have open lines of communication," Ryder said during a press briefing.

He refrained from discussing specific details about the conversations but assured that the mechanism was in place to prevent potential missteps.

"We will continue to communicate with countries throughout the region as we monitor this developing situation," Ryder added, underscoring the ongoing monitoring of the situation.

Anti-regime fighters pose for a picture with an army helicopter on the tarmac at the Nayrab military airport in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on December 2, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels on November 30, seized most of Aleppo, along with its airport and dozens of nearby towns, the war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. (Photo by AAREF WATAD / AFP)Anti-government fighters ride military vehicles as they drive along a road in the eastern part of Aleppo province on December 1, 2024. - Syria's second-largest city Aleppo has fallen from government control for the first time since the country's conflict began more than a decade ago, a war monitor said on December 1, after a surprise advance by rebels. (Photo by Aref TAMMAWI / AFP)Anti-regime fighters pose for a picture with an army helicopter on the tarmac at the Nayrab military airport in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo on December 2, 2024. - Islamist-led rebels on November 30, seized most of Aleppo, along with its airport and dozens of nearby towns, the war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. (Photo by AAREF WATAD / AFP)An aerial view shows a tank, left behind by regime forces, on the road leading to the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun, in the northwestern Syrian Idlib province, on December 1, 2024. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR / AFP)

US-Russia military communication lines remain open

The U.S. and Russian military communication lines regarding Syria have been open since at least June 2023, with both sides acknowledging the importance of maintaining a direct dialogue to reduce the risks of confrontation.

Ryder reiterated that these lines remain active and are crucial for avoiding any miscalculations during operations in a highly volatile region.

December 03, 2024 10:17 AM GMT+03:00