News / International
Russia launches airstrikes in Syria
30 Sep 2015 at 21:39hrs | Views
Russia has launched its first airstrikes in Syria, sparking concern from the US, France and Britain.
The Russian defence ministry said a number of airstrikes had targeted vehicles and warehouses belonging to Islamic State.
Russia has been strengthening its military presence in Syria, where it is a long-time supporter of President Bashar al Assad.
But it is unclear whether Russia intends to target all forces opposing Mr Assad - including US-backed rebels - or just extremists such as IS.
US Defence Secretary Ash Carter said it appeared Russia had struck in areas where IS was not operating.
France agreed, with Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian saying: "Russian forces struck Syria and curiously didn't hit Islamic State."
John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, said he would have "grave concern" if the strikes were not against IS and added that the terrorist group could not be defeated while Mr Assad remained in power.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "If this is part of international action against ISIL (IS) and that appalling terrorist death cult outfit, then that is all to the good.
"If, on the other hand, this is action against the Free Syrian Army and in defence of Assad the dictator, then obviously that is a retrograde step, but let's see what happened."
Following Mr Cameron's comments, the Kremlin claimed most of the Free Syrian Army had now joined IS.
US Deputy Defence Secretary Bob Work also said he was "alarmed" Russia had begun strikes without military talks.
Those talks will now take place "as soon as possible", the US confirmed.
The strikes come hours after Vladimir Putin was given permission to use military force in Syria by his country's parliament.
Syria confirmed it had written to Russia to request support.
There are currently 32 Russian warplanes based near the Syrian port city of Latakia, guarded by 1,700 Russian marines.
Mr Putin warned that if terrorists succeeded in Syria, they would then come to Russia.
The last time the Russian parliament granted Mr Putin the right to deploy troops abroad, Moscow seized Crimea from Ukraine last year.
Meanwhile, France has confirmed it is now investigating Mr Assad over alleged crimes against humanity.
The investigation is further examining claims of torture and kidnapping by Mr Assad's forces.
It was opened "on the basis of indications received from the foreign ministry" on 10 September, an official at the prosecutor's office said.
An estimated 250,000 people have been killed in Syria's four-year civil war between Mr Assad's troops, rebel groups and Islamic State.
A further 11 million have been displaced.
The Russian defence ministry said a number of airstrikes had targeted vehicles and warehouses belonging to Islamic State.
Russia has been strengthening its military presence in Syria, where it is a long-time supporter of President Bashar al Assad.
But it is unclear whether Russia intends to target all forces opposing Mr Assad - including US-backed rebels - or just extremists such as IS.
US Defence Secretary Ash Carter said it appeared Russia had struck in areas where IS was not operating.
France agreed, with Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian saying: "Russian forces struck Syria and curiously didn't hit Islamic State."
John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, said he would have "grave concern" if the strikes were not against IS and added that the terrorist group could not be defeated while Mr Assad remained in power.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "If this is part of international action against ISIL (IS) and that appalling terrorist death cult outfit, then that is all to the good.
"If, on the other hand, this is action against the Free Syrian Army and in defence of Assad the dictator, then obviously that is a retrograde step, but let's see what happened."
Following Mr Cameron's comments, the Kremlin claimed most of the Free Syrian Army had now joined IS.
US Deputy Defence Secretary Bob Work also said he was "alarmed" Russia had begun strikes without military talks.
Those talks will now take place "as soon as possible", the US confirmed.
The strikes come hours after Vladimir Putin was given permission to use military force in Syria by his country's parliament.
Syria confirmed it had written to Russia to request support.
There are currently 32 Russian warplanes based near the Syrian port city of Latakia, guarded by 1,700 Russian marines.
Mr Putin warned that if terrorists succeeded in Syria, they would then come to Russia.
The last time the Russian parliament granted Mr Putin the right to deploy troops abroad, Moscow seized Crimea from Ukraine last year.
Meanwhile, France has confirmed it is now investigating Mr Assad over alleged crimes against humanity.
The investigation is further examining claims of torture and kidnapping by Mr Assad's forces.
It was opened "on the basis of indications received from the foreign ministry" on 10 September, an official at the prosecutor's office said.
An estimated 250,000 people have been killed in Syria's four-year civil war between Mr Assad's troops, rebel groups and Islamic State.
A further 11 million have been displaced.
Source - SkyNews
