[Paul_Sengupta]

There hasn't been much mention of this on here yet.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/russia-shoot-down-all-flying-objects-in-syria-us-regime-warplane-isis-terror-a7797101.html

Russia has said it will treat US warplanes operating in parts of Syria where its air forces are also present as “targets” amid a diplomatic row caused by the downing of a Syrian jet.

The country’s defence ministry said it would track US-led coalition aircraft with missile systems and military aircraft, but stopped short of saying it would shoot them down.

A hotline set up between Russia and the US to prevent mid-air collisions will also be suspended.

[Charles Hunt]

Do we need to update the term 'sabre-rattling'?

[Paul_Sengupta]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-40344534

A US jet has shot down an Iranian-made drone operated by forces backing the Syrian government in the south of the country, American officials say.

The F-15 plane downed the drone around 00:30 on Tuesday (21:30 GMT Monday) north-east of Tanf, according to a US military statement.

Military officials who spoke to CNN described it as a Shahed 129, a model unveiled by Iran in 2012.

It is said by the Iranians to have a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles) and capable of carrying bombs and missiles.

"They were threatening our forces on the ground," the US official quoted by AFP said. "Their course was on a run toward our folks to drop a munitions on them."

The last drone the US says it shot down was also reportedly destroyed near Tanf after firing on coalition forces.

[eltonioni]

Yea, whatever. Putin is putting Trump in his place again, and making a very good job of it too.

[KingJames]

Feels all a bit like the numerous other proxy wars, Afganistan 80s for example.

[Sooty25]

A US jet has shot down an Iranian-made drone ........

wasn't powered by a Rotax 912 by any chance was it? just a thought.