Turkey responded by denying that it targeted the U.S. base, instead asserting that it had fired upon SDF positions.[126] The Pentagon further raised concerns that the Turkish Army deliberately bracketed US Forces stationed in Kobani with artillery fire.[127] According to Turkish Defense Minister, the mortar attack targeting the town of Suruc earlier in the day was deliberately launched 1000 meters from the US base in Kobani by SDF to avoid Turkish retaliation and the attack was in response.[128]