"Russian pilots acted highly professionally taking timely action to avoid a collision. The coalition's behavior continues to create dangerous aviation conditions and escalate tensions in the Syrian airspace," Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit told a news briefing.
The incident was reported to the Russian Defense Ministry's center for Syrian reconciliation at around noon on Saturday. The flyby happened at the altitude of some 9,000 meters (5.6 miles). The official said that the coalition also violated protocols by flying drones without prior authorization.