US and Russian jets came within visual identification range over Syria, the USmilitary said today, 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 U.S.-led military campaign, told a Pentagon briefing the jets came within miles of each other on Saturday -- the same day U.S. and Russian militaries held talks on safety protocols.

Warren said the air crews from both countries acted professionally.

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