SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Syrian pro-regime forces initiated an unprovoked attack against well-established Syrian Democratic Forces headquarters today, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials said.
In a statement, officials said coalition service members in an advise, assist and accompany capacity were with SDF partners during the attack, about 4 miles east of the agreed-upon Euphrates River de-confliction line.
Defensive Strikes
In defense of coalition and partner forces, officials said, the coalition conducted strikes against attacking forces to repel the act of aggression against partners engaged in the mission to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
The coalition remains committed to focusing on that mission in the Middle Euphrates River Valley and asserts its non-negotiable right to act in self-defense, officials said.
An Air Force F-22 Raptor receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender during a mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve over Syria, Feb. 2, 2018. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Colton Elliott