U.S and pro-government forces clash outside Zalin (Qamishli) in North and East Syria

ZALIN (QAMISHLI), Syria — U.S. forces in patrolling outside Zalin (Qamishli) in North and East Syria engaged in a firefight with Syrian regime forces after passing through a pro-Syrian regime checkpoint and taking small arms fire from nearby.

It was erroneously reported that the U.S. had called in an airstrike on the checkpoint, a fact which U.S. forces in the region denied.

“After receiving safe passage from the pro-regime forces, the patrol came under small arms fire from individuals in the vicinity of the checkpoint,” the coalition said in a statement. “Coalition troops returned fire in self-defense.” There were no casualties among U.S. forces, said the statement.

The Syrian regime confirmed that at least one Syrian soldier was killed, and two others wounded after they came under fire by coalition forces.

Government troops at a checkpoint southeast of Qamishli had blocked the patrol’s passage, SANA said.

Video of the incident was circulating on social media.

#قامشلو
​​​​​​​لحظة قصف طائرات التحالف الدولي حاجزاً لقوات الحكومة السورية في قرية نل الذهب جنوب مدينة قامشلو، مما تسبب بمقتل أربعة جنود وإصابة اثنين . pic.twitter.com/vNEFyFGrlo

— Ronahi tv (@tvronahi) August 17, 2020

Tensions in the region have been on the increase since the U.S. announced it has no intentions to leave the region.

Yesterday, in rural Dayrik (Al-Malikiyah) and Qabre Hewore (Al-Qahtaniyah), a delegation of U.S. forces met with a number of residents to listen to any complaints or issues they may be having.

During the visit, U.S. forces met with a number of residents in both areas and discussed the need to restore security and stability to the region.