In a statement today, Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time reported Russia is directly arming a Syrian rebel faction, the Free Syrian Army (FSA), in their fight against various Islamist factions. In addition to arms, the FSA was given ammunition, and air cover by Russian warplanes.
Details on where this aid is actually going are scant, and the FSA consists of scores of independent forces with no real central command. Previously, Russian warplanes had attacked FSA forces near Idlib Province, but that faction is allied with al-Qaeda.
The US State Department confirmed they’d seen reports of Russia supporting the FSA, but said it was “unclear” if they were actually true. They followed by reiterating their complaints that Russia is launching strikes against factions that are not ISIS.
Russia has been trying to get some of the moderate rebel factions, including parts of the FSA, to agree to ally with the Syrian government to fight against ISIS and other Islamist factions. So far they haven’t succeeded, but this could suggest more progress to that end.
I have faith is doing the right things in Syria
Sorry I have faith Putin is doing the right things in Syria . I trust Russia more in telling the difference in a terrorist and a Syrian .
The more Putin bogs himself down the better! The worst thing that could happen to him is to "win" i.e. keep Assad in power. The he's bogged down for all eternity!
Does this mean Putin's angling for a possible heir to Assad who will not only owe him for yanking the carpet out from under the strong man, but also helping out with gaining an upper hand in control of the eastern flank? Assad needs travel agent.
, No it just means that Russia is supporting the FSA which is fighting ISIS. That is their immediate goal. If Russia is capable of causing this then the US has been upstaged in Syria for sure this time.
These people are far more interested in peace as opposed to over throwing Assad.
,You surely did read that all wrong Billy. All the FSA wants is peace and the US agenda it wants them to forward is becoming not worth it anymore. After all, the vast majority of the people of Syria never did want to see Assad go.
Most likely said grouping of FSA are fighting Erdogan's Turkmen.