New U.S. Airstrike on Pro-Government Forces in Syria

The U.S. military conducted a new round of airstrikes on Syrian forces believed to be allied with President Bashar al-Assad. The Strikes hit Tanf, a town in southern Syria, and were meant to hold back Syrian fighters as they approached American troops, according to these statements from the Coalition Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, or CJTF-OIR:

May 18 #Coalition struck #Syrian pro-regime forces advancing in a de-confliction zone near At Tanf posing a threat to #US partner forces1/3

— Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) May 18, 2017

This was despite #Russian attempts to dissuade pro-regime movement towards At Tanf, #Coalition aircraft show of force, & warning shots2/3

— Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) May 18, 2017

#Coalition forces have operated in the At Tanf area for many months training & advising vetted partner forces who are fighting #ISIS.3/3

— Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) May 18, 2017

Military leaders explained the new strikes this way, according to the Los Angeles Times:

U.S. commanders became concerned when they saw tanks, bulldozers and other heavy equipment advance into a "de-confliction" zone without authorization near a base where U.S. forces were located, according to the officials, who spoke about the incident after requesting anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

It was not clear if the advancing forces were Syrian army troops or other pro-government allies, but they were flying Syrian flags and began constructing berms and fighting positions, officials said.

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Defense)