Israel and Russia have agreed to coordinate actions to avoid accidental conflict as Russia moves fighter aircraft and surface-to-air missiles to Syria, but US officials are reiterating concerns over potential threats to coalition forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to Moscow, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and announced an agreement to “prevent misunderstandings” between the two countries, reported Reuters. Secretary of State John Kerry said in London over the weekend that the movement of Russian equipment into Syria could pose? a threat, and the US is prepared to negotiate with President Bashar al-Assad to find a solution to the situation, according to the Associated Press. Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters on Sept. 21 that Defense Secretary Ash Carter is focusing his attention on the situation, but he would not publicly share any meetings or calls the Secretary has made to address Russia’s movements in Syria after Carter’s Sept. 18 call to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Davis said the Pentagon is watching the situation closely, but he also declined to elaborate on Russian movements beyond what Kerry had said.
Three B-1B Lancers from the 7th Bomb Wing flew over the Indo-Pacific alongside F-16s from the Japanese Air Self Defense Force recently, as part of a joint large force exercise. The mission began and ended in the continental U.S., as the bombers flew 31 hours and landed Jan. 11.