Sep 21, 2017

U.S. and Russia hold secret talks "somewhere in Middle East"

Shannon Vavra

Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Senior representatives from the U.S. and Russian militaries met in an undisclosed location "somewhere in the Middle East" to discuss the tensions surrounding the anti-ISIS fight in Syria, the AP reports. Army Col. Ryan Dillon wouldn't tell reporters who was there or how long the meeting was.

  • Why pay attention: This is a potential violation of the U.S. ban on military-to-military cooperation with Russia in light of Russia's annexation of part of Crimea. Plus, it shows an increased willingness to coordinate efforts in the region as Russian forces are deployed alongside pro-Syrian forces in the effort to take Deir el-Zour, a strategically significant city in Eastern Syria currently held by ISIS. Russia has warned it would retaliate if Russian forces are attacked.
  • What they discussed: Where forces are located around Deir el-Zour.
  • Up next: Col. Dillon said he wasn't disclosing the location since there might be more talks.

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