US admits carrying out airstrike that Russia says killed 62 Syrian soldiers

The US Central Command acknowledged the strike, in eastern Syria’s Deir al Zour province, saying it was “halted immediately” when U.S. forces were informed by Russia “that it was possible the personnel and vehicles targeted were part of the Syrian military," The Washington Post said Sunday. 

The Central Command said the intended target had been Daesh forces in the area.

A U.S. Defense official said the strike “appears to be an intelligence failure.”

Russia and Syria asserted that 62 were killed and about 100 others were injured.

Although the Central Command statement did not mention casualties, a senior administration official said the United States had “relayed our regret” through Russia “for the unintentional loss of life of Syrian forces fighting Daesh” and had launched an internal investigation.

Russia’s U.N. ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, also said the strike could be evidence of U.S. support for Daesh and an al Qaeda affiliate fighting the Syrian government, which the United States has sought to help oust.

Source: MENA