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U.S. says won't cooperate militarily with Russia in Syria.
As reported byReuters, The United States will not cooperate militarily with Russia in Syria because Moscow's strategy is "tragically flawed", U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Wednesday in his strongest comments yet on the issue.
However, the United States is willing to hold basic, technical discussions with the Russians to try to secure pilot safety.
"We are not prepared to cooperate in a strategy which as we explained is flawed, tragically flawed on Russia's part," Carter said …
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Turkey says Russian strikes weaken fight against ISIS.
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu criticised Russian airstrikes in Syria, insisting they weaken the fight against ISIS. He said only two of Russia's 57 air strikes in Syria had hit Islamic State militants, while the rest had been against the "moderate" opposition forces. While targeting Syrian opposition these strikes help strengthen the Islamic State group, Mr. Davutoglu said on Wednesday and warned that Turkey would not compromise on border security after Russian warplanes violated its …
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Russian warships attack targets in Syria.
As reported, at his meeting with President Putin Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that Russian warships of Caspian Flotilia have launched a total of 26 cruise missiles at IS facilities in Syria, destroying all targets. The strikes came from Russia’s fleet based the Caspian Sea, which borders Russia, Iran and three other littoral countries."Four of our destroyers launched 26 cruise missiles at 11 targets from the Kalibr Marine Base". Mr Shoigu insisted the operation destroyed all …
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NATO says Russian explanation on Turkish airspace unacceptable.
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NATO rejects Moscow's explanation that its warplanes violated the air space of alliance member Turkey by mistake.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg described the incidents as "extremely dangerous" and "unacceptable". He also expressed deep concern over reports of a substantial Russian military build-up, including ground troops and ships in the eastern Mediterranean.
At the same time, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he was losing patience with Russian violations of his country's …
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U.S. to put more pressure on ISIS in Syria.
According to U.S. military and administration officials, the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIS has begun preparing to open a major front in northeastern Syria, aiming to put pressure on Raqqa, the terrorist group’s de facto capital.Two important steps were approved last week by President Obama to set the offensive in motion, officials said. Mr. Obama ordered the Pentagon, for the first time, to directly provide ammunition and perhaps some weapons to Syrian opposition forces on the ground.He also …