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US Hits Russian Tanks Seized by Islamic State Near Palmyra

by Carla Babb

   PENTAGON --

   The U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq has
   destroyed 14 Russian tanks captured from Russian and Syrian military
   forces near the city of Palmyra.

   Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters Friday
   coalition airstrikes also targeted three artillery systems, two Islamic
   State-held buildings, two tactical vehicles and Russian anti-aircraft
   guns that had been captured by the militants.

   The equipment was destroyed in the vicinity of an airfield northeast of
   Palmyra. Davis said 16 coalition aircraft fired a total of 22 munitions
   during the strikes.

   Lt. General Stephen Townsend, the U.S. general leading the fight
   against Islamic State, told reporters earlier this week that if Syrian
   and Russian forces failed to take back their losses at Palmyra, the
   U.S. would strike Islamic State there.

   "We will do what we need to do to defend ourselves," the general said
   Wednesday.

   He said Russia and Syria "probably took their eye off the ball in
   Palmyra" and failed to secure their gains "because they were so focused
   on Aleppo."