US, Russian jets involved in `near miss` over Syria

Washington: US and Russian jets came within visual identification range over Syria, the US military said on Tuesday, adding the incident underscored a need for air safety protocols as the former Cold War foes carry out rival bombing campaigns.

US Army Colonel Steve Warren, a Baghdad-based spokesman for the US-led military campaign, told a Pentagon briefing the jets came within miles of each other on Saturday -- the same day US and Russian militaries held talks on safety protocols.

Warren said the air crews from both countries acted professionally.