U.S. Warplanes a Russian Target in Syria, Warns Physicians for Civil Defense

TUCSON, Ariz., June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After a U.S. Super Hornet shot down a Syrian army jet, Russia announced that it would treat U.S. warplanes operating in parts of Syria where its air forces are present as "targets," and a U.S.-Russia hotline was terminated immediately, according to a story in the Independent.

Washington said the jet had dropped bombs near U.S.-backed forces, but Damascus said the plane was downed while flying a mission against ISIS militants. Russia accused the U.S. of a "deliberate failure to make good on its commitments" under a de-confliction agreement. Washington reportedly did not notify Russia of the planned action. Russia has been providing air cover for Syrian president Bashar al Assad since 2015.

"A worldwide conflict could be triggered by an incident in Syria, such as Russia or the U.S. destroying one of the other's warplanes, even if by accident," stated Physicians for Civil Defense president Jane M. Orient, M.D. "Judging by its strategic missile and civil defense programs, Russia does not consider a nuclear exchange to be unthinkable."

"Americans need to be aware that our country is deliberately unprotected against this possibility," she added. "Our survival may depend on 'self-help' civil defense.' In times of escalating international tensions, Americans need to learn about radiation monitoring and protection measures, and acquire some essential equipment and supplies."

She notes that if the internet is down, or electrical power is shut off, it will not be possible to download the free information that is available today. The small supply of suitable instruments will quickly be sold out in a time of crisis. "Federal help will not be available immediately—or at all if multiple areas are targeted. Moreover, government civil defense expertise and infrastructure are mostly gone."

Radiation exposure standards are so stringent that firefighters may not be permitted to do rescue work even if contamination is not actually dangerous, she pointed out. Interviews of first responders reveal that most have had no training whatsoever.

Physicians for Civil Defense distributes information to help to save lives in the event of war or other disaster.

Contact: Jane M. Orient, M.D., (520) 323-3110, [email protected]

SOURCE Physicians for Civil Defense

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