Australian aircraft took part in a Coalition bombing run that unintentionally killed as many as 83 Syrian troops overnight, according to the Department of Defence.
In a statement released today, it was revealed the operation intended to target ISIL troops surrounding an airport in the Eastern Syrian city of Deir al-Zor.
Russian forces alerted the Coalition command centre, who halted the operation immediately.
“Defence offers its condolences to the families of any Syrian personnel killed or wounded in this incident.”
Russian forces claimed to have tracked four jets flying from neighbouring Iraq to conduct the operation, however it’s not believed the Royal Australian Air Force operates aircraft of the kind identified.
Russia has already claimed the incident aids Islamic State, who may now be able to claim Deir al-Zor’s Jebel Tharda airport. Syrian authorities also labelled the strike “conclusive evidence” of US support for ISIL.
In turn, American officials have criticised Russia for not alerting Coalition forces of Syrian troop locations, even though Russia was informed a Coalition operation would be taking place in the area.
Source: ABC / Sydney Morning Herald / Department Of Defence.
Photo: Handout / Getty Images.
