Russia warns US after attack

– Russia warned the United States of reprisals yesterday after artillery fire from an area controlled by US-backed fighters in eastern Syria targeted government troops.

A military spokesperson in Moscow blamed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and said any future attacks would be repelled.

“Syrian regime forces were twice targeted with massive fire from mortar launchers and rocket artillery from areas east of the Euphrates River where SDF forces and United States special forces are,” Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

“A representative of US command in Al Udeid, Qatar, was notified in severe form that attempts to attack from districts where SDF fighters are located will be repelled,” he said.

“Fire positions in these areas will be immediately suppressed with all available weapons,” he said.

Russia is supporting the current offensive by Syrian government forces against Islamic State jihadists near Deir Ezzor with air cover, while Russian special forces are also active in the area.

Konashenkov said regime forces control 85% of Deir Ezzor. –

Moscow

Barcelona

Catalonia’s vice-president yesterday admitted that plans to hold an outlawed independence referendum had been dealt a major blow by a crackdown the previous day, as people gathered in Barcelona for a second day of protests.

Thousands took to the streets of the Mediterranean seaside city on Wednesday after police detained key members of the team organising the vote slated for October 1 in a region deeply divided over independence.

Authorities seized nearly 10 million ballots destined for the vote, seriously damaging separatist plans for a referendum with a semblance of legitimacy.

After a protest that lasted well into the night, several thousand