SDF Accuse Russia of Attacking Its Positions

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces on Monday accused Russian warplanes of striking one of their positions in a major gas field in eastern Syria, the Associated Press reported.

The group claimed that one of its fighters was killed and two others were wounded when a Russian airstrike targeted the Conoco gas field in Deir Ezzor, only two days after it was captured from the so-called Islamic State (ISIS).

Russia denied carrying out an airstrike on SDF positions.

The SDF issued a statement Monday saying it responded to the attack by shelling the source of fire and positions of “hostile forces.”

This is the second time that the SDF has accused Russian warplanes of striking its forces in Deir Ezzor, where Moscow is backing pro-government forces in their separate campaign against militants in the area.

Scores Killed in Russian Airstrikes on Idlib

Russian airstrikes on the insurgent-held province of Idlib on Monday killed at least 37 people, including 12 children, the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

At least 17 of the victims were killed in two raids on the Jisr al-Shughour district. The rest were killed in attacks on other areas in Idlib’s countryside, the observatory said.

The province of Idlib witnessed a period of calm after it was designated a de-escalation zone in May but fierce bombardment has resumed there in recent weeks. Russian and Syrian government warplanes have carried out an intense airstrike campaign as part of a counterattack against a militant offensive on government positions in nearby Hama last week.

On Friday, Russian warships based in the Mediterranean fired cruise missiles at insurgent groups in Idlib province, after 29 Russian military police officers were surrounded by militants in the area.

The resumption of violence in Hama and Idlib undermines the so-called de-escalation zone agreement by underscoring how precarious Russian-brokered cease-fire agreements are in central and northern Syria.

Russia Blames U.S. Policy for Death of General in Syria

Russia on Monday blamed Washington’s policy in Syria for the killing of Russian Lieutenant-General Valery Asapov by ISIS shelling in east Syria one day earlier, Reuters reported.

“The death of the Russian commander is the price, the bloody price, for two-faced American policy in Syria,” Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Monday.

“The American side declares that it is interested in the elimination of I.S. [ISIS] … but some of its actions show it is doing the opposite and that some political and geopolitical goals are more important for Washington,” he was quoted as saying.

Russia’s defense ministry said on Sunday that Asapov was killed by ISIS militants near Deir Ezzor.

Monday’s comments mark an escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Moscow, who are backing two rival forces in the race for Deir Ezzor. Both have embedded special forces with their proxies and are supporting their advances with airstrikes.

Recommended Reads

• The Washington Post: The Syrian War Is Far From Over. But the Endgame Is Already Playing Out.
• The Telegraph: Dozens of British Fighters on the Loose in Syria as Islamic State Crumbles
• Reuters: Few Ideas, Less Hope Leave Syria Crisis on Back Burner at U.N.
• Newsweek: European Company Paid ISIS to Stay Away From Syria Plant, Report Says
• The Associated Press: Lebanon’s President Says Syrian Refugees Must Return Home