Syrian Observatory activists reported that U.S. forces intercepted a Russian patrol at Karziyarat village on Al-Malikiyah – Maabada highway in Al-Hasakah countryside.

The Russian patrol returned to Al-Qamishly airbase after being prevented by the Americans from reaching the SDF-controlled crossing of Smelka on the border with Iraq.

US-Russian struggle over influence is underway in the area from Tal Fukhar village to Khanat Sirri village in Al-Hasakah countryside.

It is noteworthy that Smelka crossing point is a prominent passage used for the crossing of International Coalition military and logistic assistance to SDF.

Hours ago, reliable sources informed the Syrian Observatory that Russian forces have deployed advanced air defense missile systems at al-Qamishli Airbase in the far northeast of Syria, amid escalating tension between Russian forces and their American counterpart in north-eastern region of Syria.

Syrian Observatory activists monitored a state of tension continuing between the U.S. forces and their Russian counterpart. Each side tries to extend its influence and control over the area and the strategic highway of Al-Haskah – Aleppo in particular.

Recently, the area had been the scene of heightened tension and daily skirmishes between both sides. Also the U.S. forces prevented movements of Russian patrols in several areas.

Reliable sources informed the Observatory that U.S. forces were deployed at the entrances and exits of the strategic town of Tal Tamr which is a link between Al-Hasakah – Al-Qamishli – Aleppo. They were also deployed at the entrance of Abu Rasin (Zarkan) and the junction in Ghabish village, and ran many patrols on Aleppo – Al-Hasakah highway aka “M4”.

These actions come as a part of the U.S. attempts to undermine the Russian role in NE Syria, and prevent the Russians from using the M4 highway in the area, except when heading to the border areas with Turkey.