Syria accuses U.S. of 'aggression' after airstrikes on pro-government forces
  • 6 years ago
Turning over now to the war in Syria...
U.S. airstrikes on pro-Syrian government forces on Thursday have angered Damascus, but Washington says it was in self-defense.
It has added another layer to a conflict that is once again plunging into a new and unpredictable spiral of violence.
Ro Aram reports.
Syrian state-run media says the U.S. strikes killed and wounded dozens of tribal fighters, calling it a new effort "to support terrorism."
It also accused the U.S. of carrying out a brutal massacre and committing war crimes.
The country's foreign ministry said it had written to the UN Security Council to urge for global condemnation.
However, the U.S.-led coalition says it was acting in self-defense, citing a major attack on its allied Kurdish and Arab forces.
The bombing occurred in the Middle Euphrates Valley in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour.
The eastern side of the valley, home to an oil field, is controlled by U.S.-backed forces and Syrian government forces are based in the west.
Russia, the main ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, also denounced the attack.
Moscow's defense ministry said the U.S. was more interested in seizing Syrian economic assets rather than driving out the Islamic State Group from its last major stronghold.
Thursday's air strikes are just the latest in a series of deadly attacks in Syria between rival forces that have led to civilian casualties.
Now that the common goal of clearing out IS militants from Syria is almost realized, Damascus and its allies have repeatedly threatened war against U.S. troops if they don't leave the country.
But, the Trump administration says they will be staying put until there is a peace settlement to the wider war that includes a transition away from the rule of President Assad.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.
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