On Monday Russia
launched drones in Syria, officials believe they are being used for
surveillance of the country, officials do not know however whether the drones
were armed. Experts are worried this is a sign that Russia is one step closer
to using its air force to defend al-Assad.
U.S. officials have
said “they would welcome Russian military airstrikes on Islamic State forces in
Syria, but not if they help Mr. Assad.” Although it would be ideal for Russia
and the U.S. to agree to a joint airstrike against the Assad regime and end the
civil war once and for all it is unlikely to happen because Russian officials
have said they intend to honor their commitment to al-Assad.
Russia has been a
strong supporter of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad; as of today they have
supplied “over 25 fighter and attack aircraft, 15 helicopters, nine tanks,
three surface-to-air missile systems and at least 500 personnel on the ground
in Syria.” This is a major problem because the U.S. believes the only way for
the civil war in Syria is for Assad to leave office.
U.S. officials are
also worried because Russia’s intervention in helping Assad is
counterproductive and it is likely to make the situation worse. Officials are
also worried that Russian intervention may endanger “U.S. and coalition pilots
flying daily missions over Syria.”
An end to the Assad
regime would be ideal considering the mass refugee crisis it has been causing
lately. Time will tell if the U.S. and Russia can come together and make some
sort of agreement to remove al-Assad once and for all. However it is unlikely to
end anytime soon with Russia condemning any anti-Assad attacks.
Ashley Rot
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