Graphic shows areas of control and location of attack.
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SYRIA

U.S. strikes may have killed scores of Russian fighters in Syria

By Mike Tyler

February 14, 2018 - U.S. forces killed scores of Russian mercenaries in Syria last week in what may be the deadliest clash between citizens of the former foes since the Cold War, according to one U.S. official and three Russians familiar with the matter.

More than 200 contract soldiers, mostly Russians fighting on behalf of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, died in a failed attack in the oil-rich Deir al-Zour region, two of the Russians said. The U.S. official put the death toll in the fighting at about 100, with 200 to 300 injured, but was unable to say how many were Russians.

The attack took place on February 7, when the U.S. says hundreds of pro-government fighters supported by tanks and artillery advanced on a base east of the Euphrates River held by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and American advisors. U.S. forces responded with aircraft and artillery fire, forcing the attackers to retreat.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 14/02/2018; STORY: Graphic News
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