American troops are among those killed in a Wednesday suicide bombing in northern Syria, according to a spokesperson for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS.
“U.S. service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today. We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time,” the coalition tweeted.
U.S. service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today. We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time.
— OIR Spokesperson (@OIRSpox) January 16, 2019
A U.S. military official confirmed to CBS News that at least two Americans are among the 15 dead, but the U.S. military has not confirmed reports of the number.
The explosion occurred in the northern city of Manbij at a restaurant where residents claim American troops sometimes visit.
The Islamic State extremist group has since claimed responsibility for the attack, and one expert suggested ISIS has identified the suicide attacker as Abu Yasin al-Shami.
ISIS identifies the suicide attacker in Manbij, who reportedly caused Coalition casualties, as Abu Yasin al-Shami. Near Qasr Al-Omara restaurant. Claims 9 killed or injured. Says choppers were sent for rescue. pic.twitter.com/iAP2K41QPo
— Hassan Hassan (@hxhassan) January 16, 2019
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters that President Donald Trump has been fully briefed and “will continue to monitor the ongoing situation in Syria.” (RELATED: ‘We Don’t Take Orders From Bolton’: Pentagon Plans Syria Withdrawal)
The explosion comes weeks after Trump ordered the withdrawal of American troops from the region and on the same day Vice President Mike Pence told the Global Chiefs of Mission conference at the State Department that “the caliphate has crumbled and ISIS has been defeated.”
U.S. forces in Syria sustained what may be their deadliest attack yet just a month after Trump claimed victory over Islamic State terrorists in the country and ordered a pullout of the American military https://t.co/HKR9NGBcdJ pic.twitter.com/87GKahKO5q
— TicToc by Bloomberg (@tictoc) January 16, 2019
Manbij is just south of Turkey, in an area held by U.S.-allied Kurdish forces.
Trump spoke with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday, in which they reportedly discussed a safe zone for Turkey to set up inside Syria along the border.
Spoke w/ President Erdogan of Turkey to advise where we stand on all matters including our last two weeks of success in fighting the remnants of ISIS, and 20 mile safe zone. Also spoke about economic development between the U.S. & Turkey – great potential to substantially expand!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2019
This is an ongoing story, and more information on the number of those dead and the identities of the American troops will be added.
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