Russia proposes joint airstrikes in Syria with U.S.-led coalition
The proposal, which would still need the backing of the U.S. government and its allies, comes at a time of rising tensions between Russia and NATO.
The Russian defense minister has proposed that Russia and the U.S.-led coalition launch joint airstrikes against the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front in Syria.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Friday that Moscow had proposed to Washington that they encourage all militants willing to abide by a cease-fire in Syria to leave areas where Nusra is present before May 25.
He said Moscow has proposed that Russia and the U.S.-led coalition would then begin joint strikes against Nusra and any other groups refusing to honor the truce.
The U.S.-Russia-brokered cease-fire has helped reduce violence in Syria, but it has been steadily eroding. The Islamic State group and the Nusra Front have been excluded from the cease-fire, and Russia long has pushed for excluding other militant groups that have cooperated with Nusra.
The proposal, which would still need the backing of the U.S. government and its allies, comes at a time of rising tensions between Russia and NATO.
Nearly simultaneous with the Syrian proposal, Shoigu announced that his nation’s military has strengthened forces in the southwestern region with long-range weapons to fend off emerging new threats.
More At: http://www.pressherald.com/2016/05/20/russia-proposes-joint-airstrikes-in-syria-with-u-s-led-coalition/
So, this is to strike as Nusra on a joint basis.
