Russia says it will retaliate if fired on again

MOSCOW/WASHINGTON: Russia warned the United States yesterday it would target USbacked militias in Syria if Russian troops again came under fire, as the US disclosed an unusual facetoface meeting between US and Russian generals meant to avoid such clashes.

The Russian warning underscored growing tensions over Syria between Moscow and Washington. While both oppose Islamic State (IS), they are engaged, via proxies, in a race for strategic influence and potential resources in the form of oilfields in eastern Syria’s Deir alZor province.

The Russian Defence Ministry said the USbacked Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had taken up positions on the eastern banks of the Euphrates with US special forces, and twice had opened fire with mortars and artillery on Syrian troops who were working alongside Russian special forces.

‘‘A representative of the US military command in Al Udeid [the US operations centre in Qatar] was told in no uncertain terms that any attempts to open fire from areas where SDF fighters are located would be quickly shut down,’’ Majorgeneral Igor Konashenkov said.

‘‘Fire points in those areas will be immediately suppressed with all military means.’’

In a sign of the high stakes as both forces come in increasing proximity, US and Russian generals held a meeting this week in an effort to avoid accidental clashes, US military officials said yesterday.

‘‘They had a facetoface discussion, laid down maps and graphics,’’ said Army Colonel Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the USled coalition, adding it appeared to be the first meeting of its kind, but declined to disclose any other details. — Reuters