Assad raises prospect of clashes with U.S. forces in Syria

By Tom Perry BEIRUT (Reuters) - President Bashar al-Assad raised the possibility of conflict with U.S. forces in Syria if they do not withdraw from the country soon. In an interview with Russia's RT international broadcaster, Assad said he would negotiate with fighters backed on the ground by Washington, but would reclaim territory they control by force if necessary, whether or not American troops supported them. In Washington, the State Department said it was not looking to fight Syrian or Iranian forces, but would use "necessary and proportionate force" to defend U.S. and partner forces in the fight against Islamic State in Syria.

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