WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Apaches provided close air support to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leading the operation, Scrocca told reporters.
"The Coalition supported this offensive with air movement and logistical support, precision airstrikes, Apache helicopters in close air support, Marine artillery, and special operations advice and assistance to SDF leadership," Scrocca told reporters.
The United State informed Russia of moving forces into Syria's Tabqa dam region, Col. Joseph Scrocca also said.
The communication took place through the deconfliction channel, Scrocca told reporters.
The Daesh terror group remains in control of the Tabqa dam in Syria, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman specified, but "hopefully not for long." He noted that the terror group has foreign fighters in the area "in the hundreds."
The coalition has not been given instructions on building safe zones in Syria, Scrocca added.
The coalition received no directions to establish any type of safe zones in Syria, spokesman said.
He underscored that the Tabqa fight started less than 24 hours ago and was expected to last for the next couple of weeks.
The Operation Inherent Resolve said liberation of Tabqa is critical for the offensive on Raqqa.
"Tabqah Dam has been used as an ISIS [Daesh] headquarters, a prison for high-profile hostages, a training location, and for external terror plotting since ISIS took control of the location in 2013," it stated.
Scrocca said the coalition stands ready to provide logistical support to partner forces fighting on the ground in Tabqa.
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