US action against terrorism in Syria leaves at least 13 dead, including 6 children

Syrian Civil Defense said at least 13 people, including six children and four women, were killed in clashes and explosions caused by a US military strike targeting a house in the Atmeh area, close to the Turkish border.

According to the Pentagon, the special forces were successful in a counterterrorism mission, which Syrian sources believe was directed against a jihadist linked to al Qaeda. The US said none of the deaths were Americans, but it did not identify the victims.

Several jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda operate in northwest Syria, the last major bastion of rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war, which has lasted more than a decade. Leaders of the Islamic State group also went into hiding in the area.

Several rebel sources said they were pretty sure the target was a jihadist leader, but they weren’t sure which one.

Residents said helicopters landed and gunfire and explosions were heard during the attack that began around midnight local time. US forces used loudspeakers to warn women and children to leave the area, they said.

A video taken by a resident and seen by Reuters showed the bodies of two apparently lifeless children and a man in the rubble of a building at the site.