Putin’s act of WAR? Russian air strikes in Syria target British-backed rebels

RUSSIAN warplanes launching air strikes in Syria have bombed rebel groups backed by the West rather than Islamic State (ISIS) militants.

Moscow launched a bombing campaign on ISIS-held territory in Syria after the Russian parliament gave the green light to strikes with the aim of supporting President Bashar al-Assad.

The action was said to be focused on degrading ISIS operations in the country.

But the US and rebels on the ground suggested Russian aircraft were bombing fighters backed by Western powers.

‘Russia isn’t committed to keeping Assad in power’

MOSCOW, Russia — The leader of the main Syrian opposition group says after talks in Moscow that Russia isn’t committed keeping Syrian President Bashar Assad in power.