The unprecedented strikes prompted the US -led coalition to scramble aircraft to protect its special operations forces helping the Kurdish fighters, warning the regime not to put the advisers on the ground at risk.
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The air strikes took place on Thursday, conducted by two Syrian SU-24 attack planes targeting Kurdish forces undergoing training with United States special operations advisers around the northeastern city of Hasakeh, Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said.
But the Damascus-based regime’s recent deployment of warplanes against the YPG prompted US-led coalition forces to scramble aircraft to protect American special operations ground forces in YPG-controlled areas.
According to the official, the Syrian bombers departed without further incident.
When asked if coalition forces were assisting the YPG in al-Hasakah, a USA official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said that assistance was being given to the Syrian Democratic Forces.
The unprecedented strikes against six Kurdish positions in the northeastern city prompted the US-led coalition to scramble aircraft to protect USA special operations forces advisers deployed with the Kurdish forces. According to USA officials, the American forces were moved to a safer position after the attack, but weren’t pulled entirely from the theater. “It’s very unusual, we never saw the regime carry out such actions against the Kurdish forces before”, said Jeff Davis.
Knowing Russia’s strong support for the regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, Davis said a message was sent for them to pass along to the Syrian military “stating our intent to take whatever action is necessary”. The U.S.is pinning its hopes for reducing violence on talks about a political agreement with Russia, Syria and worldwide powers.
The agreement included “a ceasefire and the withdrawal of all armed forces from the city”, according to a statement distributed to journalists by a Kurdish official.
The truce includes a “halt to all hostilities and the return to government forces of any positions seized by Kurdish fighters”, said a Syrian military source on Sunday. They support local militias, including the YPG, in the fight against so-called Islamic State (IS).
There were no reports of injuries although 21 people in Kilis have been killed by fire from Syria in recent months.
It accused the Asayish of igniting the violence through escalating “provocations”, including the bombing of army positions in Hasaka, and said the Asayish aimed to take control of the city.
Fighting between a pro-government militia and Kurdish forces since August 17 has left at least 43 people dead including 27 civilians, among them 11 children, according to the Observatory. “We will ensure their safety”.
The cease-fire comes after Kurdish forces gained control of almost all of the city.
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Empty shells line the ground as a Kurdish fighter from the People’s Protection Units (YPG) walks toward al-Furat university in the Ghwairan neighborhood of Hasaka, Syria, Aug. 22, 2016.
