The US will use airstrikes to defend US-trained Syrian rebels for any attackers, even forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, US officials told reporters on Sunday.
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Russia on Monday criticized U.S. plans to provide air cover for Syrian rebels, saying any support for rivals of Russian ally President Assad hampered Damascus’ fight against Islamic State.
But in Syria’s messy civil conflict, Islamic State is simply one of many threats to the U.S. recruits.
The Obama Administration has made clear that it might “take the steps needed to make sure that these forces might efficiently perform their mission”, whereas help to the U.S.-backed fighters would come with “defensive fires help to guard them”, Alistair Baskey, a White Home Nationwide Safety Council spokesman, advised the Journal, with out offering additional particulars.
Reported by the Wall Street Journal, US officials consider that this decision finalized the discussion about the role of US army in the Syrian conflict.
The 72 hours of clashes killed at least 73 rebels and 42 regime forces, including Hezbollah fighters and members of the National Defense Forces militia allied with the government, he told AFP. U.S. officials say they believe the regime won’t challenge the new force.
The U.S. has thus far downplayed the concept Assad’s forces would launch an offensive towards the Syrian rebels.
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One of the most powerful insurgent groups in northern Syria, Nusra Front has a record of crushing rebel groups that have received support from Western states, including the Hazzm movement that collapsed earlier this year.
