WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S.-backed Syrian forces known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, released a statement claiming their forces were struck by Russian aircraft and artillery fire near the Syrian city of Deir el-Zour, according to the group\u2019s official media page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Russian and regime forces have carried out an unfortunate attack on our forces at Koniko gas company, Ezba station and Nesic Factory,\u201d the SDF statement reads. \u201cAerial bombardments and artillery attacks left some of our fighters martyred and some others wounded.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Russian Defense Ministry denied it had struck the U.S.-backed fighters, according to a report from Reuters.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As of right now, the coalition only has reports of indirect fire from the SDF and no reported casualties, Col. Ryan Dillon, the spokesperson for Operation Inherent Resolve, told Military Times. However, there may be a lag in reporting, he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The coalition is continuing to deconflict with the Russians in what is a tightly congested battlefield, Dillon said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The coalition has passed on information to the Russians detailing locations of friendly units, Dillon told Military Times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If confirmed, this would be the second time Russian forces bombed SDF forces fighting near Deir el-Zour. Just over a week ago, Russian forces wounded several SDF fighters when Russian warplanes targeted a location where the U.S.-backed militants were operating, according to a report from CNN<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Russians claimed in that strike they were targeting ISIS fighters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The area surrounding the city of Deir el-Zour in the Euphrates River Valley is a valued prize for both SDF and Syrian regime fighters and their Russian backers. The area boasts numerous oil fields that once helped fill the coffers of ISIS militants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Analysts claim the region is vital to Syria\u2019s economy. Both SDF and Syrian regime fighters are operating in the region to cleanse ISIS militants from the river valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The SDF was quick to condemn the alleged Russian attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe condemn the hostile attacks of Russia and their partners that serve for the terrorists and target the fight against terror. We emphasise that we will not stay silent and we will use our right to legitimate defense and retaliate,\u201d the statement from the SDF reads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n