The Pic of the Day: American Soldiers defend the flag from Syrian militias

Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh Forces conducting a patrol to protect key terrain and natural resources were attacked at a pro-Syria regime checkpoint, near Qamishli, Syria, Feb., 12. The U.S.-led Coalition commonly patrols the area in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces to deny malign actors’ access.

You can read more about the incident here.

Despite U.S. troops’ repeated de-escalation efforts, the patrol was forced to defend itself after local militia members attacked with small-arms weapons from multiple firing positions. U.S. Forces killed an adult male combatant during the incident, which is under investigation. One U.S. service member received superficial injury during the engagement and since returned to duty.