US troops, Turkish-backed militants exchange fire in northern Syria

A US military official said that American troops came under attack by Turkish-backed rebels in northern Syria with no casualties on either side.

“Recent incidents have occurred in territories primarily under the control of Turkish-backed fighters. We are engaged with Ankara and other parties to address this danger,” Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said.

Those fighters are believed to be part of the Turkish-supported force that had helped Turkish military drive out the Islamic State from areas near Syria-Turkey borders.

Turkish soldiers were not involved in the recent firefight, Pahon confirmed.

Following the incident, the coalition communicated with Ankara in order to avoid potential attacks in the future.