Updated October 21st, 2019 at 15:28 IST
US troops bombed their own airbase in Syria before retraction: Reports
The United States armed forces bombed their own base using F-15 jets in Al-Hasakah province in northeast Syria before abandoning it and withdrawing troops
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The United States armed forces bombed their own base in Al-Hasakah province in northeast Syria. Two of US Air Force F-15 jets reportedly conducted the airstrike to prevent them from falling into the hands of fighters backed by Turkey. Reportedly the jets wiped out the facilities for transport aircraft in the Tal Baydar settlement close to the town of Tal Tamr before abandoning it and withdrawing troops. Reports further said that the US troops are currently preparing to abandon another base in Al-Hasakah near the As-Sabheyeh dam. Colonel Myles Coggins, the spokesperson for Operation Inherent Resolve, gave further details on Twitter.
On Oct. 16, after all #Coalition personnel and essential tactical equipment departed, two Coalition F-15Es successfully conducted a pre-planned precision airstrike at the Lafarge Cement Factory to destroy an ammunition cache and reduce the facility’s military usefulness.
— OIR Spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III (@OIRSpox)
READ: Turkey Threatens To 'crush' Kurds If They Fail To Withdraw Before Tue
The Coalition continues our deliberate withdrawal from NE Syria. Force protection of our troops remains our top priority. No @CJTFOIR ground forces will participate in the enforcement of the safe zone, however, we will remain in communication with both Turkey and the SDF.
— OIR Spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III (@OIRSpox)
READ: Turkey Wants No Forces Along Turkey-Syria Border To Settle Refugees
A notable shift
On October 7, the US announced the withdrawal of American forces from the northeastern border of Syria while Turkey claimed that they are ready for the operation against Islamic State. According to the statement by the White House, the American troops will not support or be a part of the Turkish-led operation. Stephanie Grisham, the White House Press Secretary reportedly said in a statement that their troops will be relocated from the area. United States President Donald Trump had also released a statement regarding Tukey's actions in Syria saying that he will soon be issuing an executive order authorising the imposition of sanctions against the Turkish government along with the people who are contributing to the offensive.
Statement from President Donald J. Trump Regarding Turkey’s Actions in Northeast Syria pic.twitter.com/ZCQC7nzmME
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)
READ: Turkey Is Not Abiding By The Peace-truce With US: Kurdish Forces
The withdrawal has marked a notable shift in the foreign policy of the US and abandons the US ally in the fight against ISIS which had taken over Syria before being defeated last year. President Trump, also defended the decision to withdraw the troops from northern Syria. According to him, it was costing large amounts of money and equipment in continuing the support to US allies. In addendum to that, this move also opposes the advice of senior officials in the Pentagon along with the US State Department.
A Republican Congressman Adam Kizinger also tweeted,
Wow. We bombed our own base on purpose, because of the impulsive decision by @realDonaldTrump didn’t leave time to evacuate the right way. Is this the America you grew up believing in? pic.twitter.com/r7l2l80wLZ
— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger)
(With agency inputs)
READ: Donald Trump Announces US-Turkey Ceasefire In Northeast Syria
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Published October 21st, 2019 at 13:34 IST