US launches air strikes on Syrian forces

Syrian state-run media have confirmed a rare US strike on government-backed troops in eastern Syria, citing reports of dozens killed and wounded from the attack.

The overnight attack, which a US military official earlier said killed about 100, adds another layer to a conflict in Syria that is once again plunging into a new unpredictable spiral of violence.

The American official said the US launched the air strikes after as many as 500 attackers began what appeared to be a coordinated assault on Us backed forces known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who were accompanied by US advisers in Deir el-zour province.

The official said the strikes were in self-defence after the pro-government forces began firing artillery and tank rounds at the SDF. About 100 of the attackers were killed, the official said.

It was a rare US strike against forces that support Syrian President Bashar alassad’s regime.