Russian forces ‘harass US soldiers in Syria’

AMERICAN soldiers have been injured in a tense confrontation with Russian troops in north-eastern Syria, stoking tensions between the two powers in a fiercely contested part of the country.

Videos have emerged of Russian military vehicles and attack helicopters surrounding and harassing two American armoured cars while they carried out patrols near the borders with Iraq and Turkey earlier this week.

At one point during the skirmish, a Russian Kamaz Typhoon armoured personnel carrier collided with an American M-ATV mine-resistant vehicle, in an incident which left four US troops injured, the White House said.

The US National Security Council did not provide further details of the soldiers’ injuries but accused the Russian forces of “unsafe and unprofessional” behaviour against troops who were carrying out patrols on Tuesday as part of the Us-led military coalition against the Islamic State terror group.

“The coalition and the United States do not seek escalation with any national military forces but US forces always retain the inherent right and obligation to defend themselves from hostile acts,” John Ullyot, an NSC spokesman, said.

In another video posted online, a Russian MI-8AMTSH “Terminator” assault helicopter flies low over vehicles clearly displaying the American flag, buffeting them with prop wash from its rotor blades.

The Russian defence ministry blamed the Americans, saying they had been warned that Russian forces were passing through the area, close to the city of Dayrick.