Syrian troops battling the Islamic State group crossed to the eastern bank of the Euphrates River in Deir el-Zour on Monday, threatening a potential standoff with the U.S.-backed forces operating there. Spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Col. Ryan Dillon told The Associated Press that the top commander of the U.S.-backed Syrian forces has maintained "open lines" of communication and discussions with his counterpart in the Syrian government to avoid friction. This is the first sign of direct contact between the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad, as the race for control of the oil-rich province picks up speed. It comes nearly two weeks after the Russia-backed Syrian troops breached a three-year siege on their troops in the city. Russia, which has provided crucial air support to Assad's forces, said Syrian elite troops used pontoon bridges to cross the river.

Source: ABC News September 18, 2017 10:25 UTC