Coalition Reinforces Positions Near Syrian al-Tanf After Attacking Syrian Army

The US-led coalition has reinforced its positions near Syria's al-Tanf amid increasing presence of pro-Syrian government forces in the area, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesperson Col. Ryan Dillon said in a briefing on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On May 18, a US defense official told Sputnik that the US-led coalition struck the Syrian army near the town of al-Tanf in the area of an established "deconfliction zone" with Russia. The coalition strikes occurred near al-Tanf, where US' and British special operations forces have been training Syrian rebel fighters near the border with Iraq and Jordan.

Russia slammed that move as a violation of international law.

"There are about a couple hundred both coalition forces and our partnered forces [near al-Tanf]. We have increased our combat power in that area," Dillon told reporters.

Dillon noted that the pro-government force that is currently well within the deconfliction zone, is a "small element," but it is not moving out of the area.

"We have not established a deadline for them [to leave]. We have made it very clear, however, that their presence inside of the deconfliction zone is considered a threat," he said.

Another cause of concern has been the buildup of pro-government forces that are outside the deconfliction zone, Dillon added.

Late May, the US Department of Defense said that pro-Syrian government militia that was attacked by a US-led coalition strike near al-Tanf last week has halted its advance and is working on leaving the deconfliction zone.

The United States and Russia signed the bilateral memorandum of understanding in October 2015 to ensure their flight safety during combat missions over Syria.