US deploys F-22 Raptors to Middle East to counter Russian movements

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – In an unexpected move, the US deploys its F-22 Raptors, the best fifth-generation fighter in the world, to the Middle East responding to “unprofessional behavior by Russian aircraft in the region.”

February 4 marked the first use of the advanced fighter when an F-22 Raptor shot down a Chinese balloon off the coast of South Carolina.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement, “U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors deployed to U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility as part of a multifaceted show of U.S. support and capability in the wake of increasingly unsafe and unprofessional behavior by Russian aircraft in the region.”

“Russian Forces’ unsafe and unprofessional behavior is not what we expect from a professional air force. Their regular violation of agreed upon airspace deconfliction measures increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command.