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Syria says US-led coalition attacked its forces in east of country

DAMASCUS, Syria — A Syrian military official says the US-led coalition has attacked an army artillery position in eastern Syria, wounding two soldiers and destroying a cannon.
Spokesman for the US-led coalition Col. Sean Ryan says Sunday the partner forces acted in self-defense after coming under fire from the western side of the Euphrates River. Ryan says an investigation is underway.
US-led coalition forces, with their local Kurdish-led partners, are battling the remnants of Islamic State extremist group on the eastern banks of the Euphrates, while government troops and allied forces are now positioned on the other side after dislodging IS from there.
Syria’s state news agency SANA quotes the unnamed military official as saying the attack late Saturday was followed by a foiled incursion by IS militants.


Trump reiterates military force ‘an option’ in Venezuela

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump reiterates in comments broadcast Sunday that a US military intervention in Venezuela was “an option,” as international pressure ramps up on embattled head of state Nicolas Maduro to step down.
Asked in an interview with CBS’s “Face the Nation” what could lead the United States to use military force in the crisis-wracked country, the president declined to give a specific answer.
“But certainly it’s something that’s on the — it’s an option,” he said.
The United States recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president on January 23, and is leading an international campaign to drive Maduro from office.
Guaido says the constitution entitles him to serve as interim head of state because Maduro’s re-election last May was invalid, his strongest opponents having been barred from running.
Four major European nations — Britain, France, Germany and Spain — have said they will likewise recognize Guaido unless Maduro calls new presidential elections by midnight on Sunday.