US Says Its Strike on Idlib was ‘Precise and Targeted Response’ to Terrorists

The US operation in Syria’s Idlib governorate was a ‘precise and targeted response’ to leaders of terrorist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda (outlawed in Russia) whom the United States sees as a threat, a US State Department official told TASS on Sunday.

"We have seen Russian commentary on the strike against Al-Qaida in Syria (AQ-S) leadership carried out on August 31," the source said. "This operation was a precise and targeted response against AQ-S leadership responsible for planning attacks threatening U.S. citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians."

The official also accused the Russian media of promoting "inaccurate claims" regarding the US operation in Idlib.

The United States carried out an airstrike on an area between Ma’arrat Misrin and Kafr Haya on August 31. According to the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria (part of Russia’s Defense Ministry), the airstrike has left numerous casualties and major destruction.