US defence official claim that the airstrike was carried out to prevent the arms and ammunition and other material of sensitive nature falling into the ‘wrong hands’.
On October 10, Turkey launched a broad assault on Kurdish-controlled areas in northeastern Syria, with intensive bombardment followed by a ground offensive made possible by the withdrawal of US troops.
However, the US denies that the withdrawal of troops was a ‘green light’ for the Turkish offensive.
According to Operation Inherent Resolve’s Spokesperson Colonel Myles B. Caggins, two United States Air Force (USAF) F-15 Eagles carried out the pre-planned airstrike at the Lafarge Cement Factory located between Kobanî and Ain Issa to reduce the facility’s "military usefulness".
France warns Turkey against ‘any initiative’ threatening fight against Da’ish in Syria
On Oct. 16, after all #Coalition personnel and essential tactical equipment departed, two Coalition F-15Es successfully conducted a pre-planned precision airstrike at the Lafarge Cement Factory to destroy an ammunition cache and reduce the facility’s military usefulness.
— OIR Spokesperson (@OIRSpox) October 16, 2019
Following the withdrawal, the Turkish-backed fighters advanced on the facility which was used to train and equip Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to fight against the militant IS group.
Some of the remaining US troops repelled the advance using Apache helicopters before leaving the facility and USAF destroying the base. The SDF also left and destroyed their part of the base.
"#Coalition forces continue a deliberate withdrawal from northeast #Syria. On Oct. 16, we vacated the Lafarge Cement Factory, Raqqa, and Tabqah," OIR Spokesperson tweeted.
#Coalition forces continue a deliberate withdrawal from northeast #Syria. On Oct. 16, we vacated the Lafarge Cement Factory, Raqqa, and Tabqah. //
— OIR Spokesperson (@OIRSpox) October 16, 2019
تواصل قوات التحالف الإنسحاب المُخطّط له من شمال شرق سوريا. في 16 تشرين الأول ، قُمنا بإخلاء مصنع لافارج للأسمنت والرقة والطبقة
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