Russia says US deployment of F-16s to Mideast requires ‘very close attention’

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russia said on Thursday that the US decision to deploy a squadron of F-16s to the Middle East is a matter that requires “very close attention.”

“Of course, this is a reason for our very close attention. Of course, we are carefully monitoring the situation in the region,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters at a press briefing in Moscow.

In response to a question on whether the US deployment could be used for provocations against Moscow, Peskov said there have been no provocations so far and that this is a subject that relates to the Russian military.

Peskov further said the situation in Gaza is “catastrophic,” adding that it could get even worse in case of a ground operation by Israel.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced that a squadron of F-16 fighter jets arrived in the region to “further enhance the ability of US forces to defend themselves.”