A Syrian was killed and another was wounded when government supporters attacked American troops and tried to block their way as their convoy drove through an army checkpoint in northeastern Syria, prompting a rare clash, state media and activists reported.
Marine Raider Gunnery Sgt. Scott A. Koppenhafer earned two Bronze Stars for heroic actions in Afghanistan and in combat against ISIS fighters in the Middle East.
U.S. Central Command announced it raised the threat level in Iraq and Syria, rebuking comments made by a top British general with the coalition fighting the Islamic State.
The greatest increase in airstrikes came after the Trump administration ordered a surprise withdrawal from Syria Dec. 19, which caught the Pentagon and allies off-guard and led to the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.