In the past few days, the United States did a bit of saber-rattling by flying its newest stealth fighter, the F-35, over its Special Operations bases in Syria. This is the American version of daring the bully in the schoolyard to test him one more time. It was probably no coincidence that the F-35 flew near where Russian forces are trying to box in the American Special Operations troops which are only a few kilometers away.

The Special Ops Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in Syria and Iraq took to Twitter (doesn’t everyone these days?) and released a few photos showing the F-35 above Syria over the al-Hasakah and Deir Ezzor governorates.

“A USAF F-35A Lightning II fighter jet flies near the $ATG in Syria, April 10, 2020. Coalition and partner forces continue to strike at extremist organizations in Syria despite COVID-19, reflecting the world-wide unity to see an enduring defeat delivered against Daesh,” the U.S. military account posted.