USA und Syrien koordinieren Offensive

Inzwischen ist es ganz offiziell: In Syrien bekämpfen die USA nur noch den IS und zwar koordiniert mit der syrischen Armee und damit auch mit den Verbündeten, Hizbollah und Iran, nur eben an getrennten Fronten:

Syrian troops battling the Islamic State group crossed to the eastern bank of the Euphrates River in Deir el-Zour on Monday, threatening a potential standoff with the U.S.-backed forces operating there.

But the U.S.-led coalition spokesman downplayed concerns, saying both advancing forces are maintaining lines of communication to avoid conflict.

Spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Col. Ryan Dillon told The Associated Press that the top commander of the U.S.-backed Syrian forces has maintained “open lines” of communication and discussions with his counterpart in the Syrian government to avoid friction. This is the first sign of direct contact between the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad, as the race for control of the oil-rich province picks up speed.

Dillon said “de-confliction” talks with Russia have increased in frequency, as well as at different operational levels, to avoid ground friction as the forces “converge and have a common goal together” to fight IS.