18SEPT2017 – Situation:
Yesterday, Russia’s Defense Ministry denied accusations from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that it had bombed the US-backed Kurdish and Arab alliance fighters in Syria on 16SEPT2017.[1] The alleged attack, occurred in the city of Deir al-Zour, located in eastern Syria[2] during a Russian-backed Syrian government offensive into the northeastern province of Deir Az Zor.[3] According to the SDF “Our forces east of the Euphrates River were targeted by Russian and Syrian regime warplanes.”[4] Resulting in the wounding of six fighters within the US-backed group.[5] This marks the first time the SDF has stated that they had been hit by Russian forces.[6] SDF fighters have been advancing against IS held positions along the east bank of the Euphrates. While, Syrian government forces have been advancing along the western flank.[7]
According to Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov, Russian aircraft had only carried out pinpointed strikes against IS held positions in Deir al-Zour province.[8] Further he stated that the attack was “not possible. Why would we bomb them?”[9] Konashenkov noted that the Russian military had given the US an advanced notice before the strike.[10] “To avoid unnecessary escalation, the commanders of Russian forces in Syria used an existing communications channel to inform our American partners in good time” said Konashenkov. [11] Moreover, he stated that there was no evidence to substantiate the accusations leveled against Russia.[12]
In a statement made by Pentagon officials, Russia knowingly attacked the US-backed SDF. Asserting, Russian munitions impacted a location known to the Russians to contain Syrian Democratic Forces and coalition advisers”.[13] It is important to note that an approximate 900 US troops are embedded with partner forces in Syria, providing artillery and close air support.[14] Although the incident wounded six SDF fighters, no coalition forces were harmed.
Sources:
[1] http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/russia-denies-bombing-backed-sdf-troops-170917120912438.html
[2] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41299253
[3] http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/russia-denies-bombing-backed-sdf-troops-170917120912438.html
[4] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41299253
[5] http://www.independent.ie/world-news/russia-denies-claim-of-airstrike-on-usbacked-syrian-force-36140496.html
[6] http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-backed-force-says-hit-russia-government-strikes-east-syria-1490296164
[7] http://www.independent.ie/world-news/russia-denies-claim-of-airstrike-on-usbacked-syrian-force-36140496.html
[8] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41299253
[9] http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-backed-force-says-hit-russia-government-strikes-east-syria-1490296164
[10] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-41299253
[11] Ibid
[12] http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/russia-denies-bombing-backed-sdf-troops-170917120912438.html
[13] http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/pentagon-russia-knowingly-hit-backed-sdf-syria-170916183746755.html
[14] http://www.independent.ie/world-news/russia-denies-claim-of-airstrike-on-usbacked-syrian-force-36140496.html