Two U.S. Officials Reveal That Russia Has Sent Tanks, Aircraft And Forces In Syria To Defend President Bashar Al-Assad’s Government
Two US officials, who refused to be named, revealed on Wednesday that Russia has sent a couple of tank landing ships and extra aircraft to Syria to participate on the Syria's combat operations to support President Bashar Al-Assad's regime, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
Aside from that, Russia, a long-time ally of Assad, has sent a small number of naval forces in the country as per sources. Also, the two US officials do not eliminate the prospect that Russia "may want to use the airfield for air combat missions."
The two sources also said that two bases are being developed by the Russians in Syria - with one near the coast and the other far inland.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, during a talk with his Russian counterpart, warned that the alleged Russian military activities in Syria could lead to more hostility.
Also, the White House is keeping a close eye in monitoring the situation in Syria and the alleged involvement of Russia in the Syrian conflict.
Moreover, Russia also said that the Syrian Government should be part of the global fight against Islamic State that has taken control on some areas of Syria and Iraq.
"We would welcome constructive Russian contributions to the counter-ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] effort, but we've been clear that it would be unconscionable for any party, including the Russians, to provide any support to the Assad regime," White House spokesman Eric Schultz said.
On the other hand, after being warned by the US and NATO on its role in the Syrian conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the country is just extending humanitarian aid to Syria.
"Russian planes are sending to Syria both military equipment in accordance with current contracts and humanitarian aid," Lavrov said, as reported by Al Jazeera on Friday.
