BREAKING NEWS

US official: Russia strikes US-backed rebels in Syria

WASHINGTON - Russia carried out air strikes on Thursday in southern Syria against rebels battling Islamic State, including forces backed by the United States, a senior US defense official said, adding Washington would raise the matter with Moscow.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, strongly criticized the Russian strikes near al-Tanf, noting that no Russia or Syrian ground forces were in the area at the time -- effectively ruling out an argument of self-defense.
"Russia's latest actions raise serious concern about Russian intentions," the official said.
"We will seek an explanation from Russia on why it took this action and assurances this will not happen again."