Washington (AFP) - The White House on Thursday said it was closely monitoring reports that Russia is carrying out military operations in Syria, warning such actions, if confirmed, would be "destabilizing and counter-productive."
"We are aware of reports that
Russia may have deployed military personnel and aircraft to Syria, and
we are monitoring those reports quite closely," said spokesman Josh
Earnest.
"Any military
support to the Assad regime for any purpose, whether it's in the form of
military personnel, aircraft supplies, weapons, or funding, is both
destabilizing and counterproductive."
The
comments come after images appeared on a social media account linked to
Syrian fighters purporting to show Russian aircraft and drones near
Idlib province.
Unconfirmed
reports suggested the aircraft may have included a Russian Sukhoi 34
advanced strike fighter, which Syria is not thought to own.
A
US official confirmed that "Russia has asked for clearances for
military flight to Syria," but added "we don't know what their goals
are."
"Evidence has been inconclusive so far as to what this activity is."Other reports have suggested Russia has targeted Islamic State group militants, who have attacked forces loyal to Russian-backed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.
Both the White House and the Pentagon refused to say whether they had intelligence suggesting the reports were accurate.
"It's up to the Russians to explain exactly what they are doing," said Peter Cook, Pentagon spokesman.
The
United States and its allies have repeatedly called for Assad's ouster,
and are likely to oppose any effort that would have the effect of
supporting him.
The White
House said, however, that it would welcome Russia's involvement in the
international coalition established to counter Islamic State and in
diplomatic efforts to end the brutal civil war.