What Happened During the Joint Syria-US Patrol Attack?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Joint patrol attacked: Syrian and US personnel injured.
- Heightened security: Traffic halted and increased aerial surveillance observed.
- US military presence: Less than 1,000 troops remain in Syria.
- Political vision: New governance framework proposed by Syrian leader.
- Comprehensive rebuilding: Focus on state institutions and public services.
Damascus, Dec 13 (NationPress) A combined patrol of Syrian security personnel and US military forces was targeted by gunfire in the vicinity of Palmyra, located in central Syria, on Saturday, resulting in injuries to multiple members from both contingents, as reported by Syrian state media.
The incident left two Syrian security agents and several US personnel injured, and the assailant was reportedly killed, according to a Syrian security source cited by the SANA news agency.
The wounded were airlifted to a US military base situated in the Al-Tanf region of southeastern Syria, near a pivotal junction connecting Iraq and Jordan, as the report did not divulge additional specifics regarding the attack.
In the aftermath of the event, traffic along the Deir al-Zour-Damascus highway was briefly suspended, and heightened aerial surveillance was noted as security protocols were reinforced in the area, as per reports.
There has been no immediate response from the US authorities, as noted by Xinhua news agency.
Currently, fewer than 1,000 US troops remain deployed in Syria, a commitment from the Pentagon to assist in combating the Islamic State militants operating within the region.
Earlier this week, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa presented his vision for governance, aiming to establish a 'new Syria' rooted in justice, national unity, and renewed regional cooperation.
This address coincided with the first anniversary of what the interim authorities have labeled the country’s 'liberation,' which resulted in the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
'We declare a momentous departure from past legacies ... towards a new dawn founded on justice, compassion, citizenship, and coexistence,' he proclaimed during a ceremony at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Monday.
Al-Sharaa emphasized that the current stage necessitates a transition from political reform to the establishment of institutions. 'The conclusion of our conflict was merely the start of a new one focused on labor and diligence, aligning words with actions and values with practice.'
He added that the interim government has engaged with local communities to address their concerns and has devised a comprehensive strategy for rebuilding state institutions and enhancing public services.