Russian warplanes bombed Syria once again, claiming to target ISIS, though foreign officials are concerned whether alternative motives linger. This airstrike occurred just days after Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, and President Obama met to discuss negotiations on their seemingly opposing views on the Syrian situation.
The Russian actions spiked tension between The U.S. and Russia. Moscow claims the airstrikes were intended to incapacitate the Islamic State. Instead, the airstrikes seemed to land and even hit certain units connected to the CIA; seemingly aiding President Bashar al-Assad within the destruction of these zones.
"I want to be careful about confirming information, but it does appear that they [Russian airstrikes] were in areas where there probably were not ISIL forces [1]…" said U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter.
Similarly, U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, expressed concern in a U.N. Security Council meeting saying: "Moreover, we have also made clear that we would have grave concerns should Russia strike areas where ISIL and al Qaeda-affiliated targets are not operating. Strikes of that kind would question Russia's real intentions—fighting ISIL or protecting the Assad regime [2]…"
The U.S. will continue to send airstrikes against the Islamic State as planned throughout the year, though the Russian airstrikes came as a surprise and had the potential to undermine the U.S. military strategy in Syria. A Russian official arrived at the U.S. base in Baghdad Wednesday, claiming the airstrike would occur within the next hour. U.S. officials were apprehensive after the attack occurred, seemingly have been caught off guard.
The U.S. isn’t the only country to express this concern. Nidal Ezddin, a delegate of Homs, Syria, bluntly stated “These bombings were not against ISIS,” he said. “They were for ISIS[3].” Words of similar note came from Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko at the United Nations. Ukraine and the United States are both unconvinced that Russia is as innocent as they claim.
Poroshenko blames Putin for appearing hypocritical. “How can you urge an anti-terrorism coalition if you inspire terrorism right in front of your own door? How can you talk peace and legitimacy if your policy is war via puppet government? How can you speak for freedom for nations if you punish your neighbor for this choice? How can you demand respect for all if you don’t have respect for anyone?”
Russia contradicts these claims, stating they are looking to resolve the issue peacefully, rather than with more violence. Putin claims: “I have said from the very beginning that the active phase of our job in Syria will be limited to times of offensive operations by the Syrian army. Our task is to stabilize the legal government and create the right conditions for reaching a political compromise[ 4].”
A concern expressed by many nations is a question: will Russia send ground forces into Syria if the airstrikes are deemed insufficient? Again, Putin’s claims lay against these questions. He firmly stands behind the fact that Russia will continue to use air assaults until resolution is reached.
“That’s ruled out,” Putin said concerning the ground attack claims. “We do not intend to do that and our Syrian friends know this [5].”
The questionable Russian aerial attacks began Sept. 30, have continued through Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015. Russian President Vladimir Putin makes his claim clear that not only is Russia using this force in the best intentions against ISIS, but that the attacks will continue as long as it proves necessary.
