Britain says took part in Syria strikes in US-Russia row

Image
AFP London
Last Updated : Sep 19 2016 | 8:13 PM IST
Britain said today that it took part in US-led air strikes on Syria that sparked a major US-Russia row threatening a fragile ceasefire in the war-torn country.
"We can confirm that the UK participated in the coalition air strike south of Deir Ezzor on Saturday, and we are fully co-operating with the coalition investigation," a defence ministry spokesman said.
"The UK would not intentionally target Syrian military units," the spokesman said.
Russia said the strikes killed 62 Syrian soldiers and injured around a hundred others, accusing the US of undermining a ceasefire deal struck in Geneva a week ago.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said the number of regime troops killed was at least 90.
Washington said coalition forces believed they were hitting a fighting position held by the Islamic State jihadist group but has also said it will investigate the incident.
Britain's Press Association news agency reported that an unmanned Reaper drone may have been involved.
Australia earlier said it was one of several coalition countries whose aircraft took part and offered its "condolences to the families of any Syrian personnel killed or wounded".

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 19 2016 | 8:13 PM IST

Next Story