NATO has urged Russia to end air strikes “on the Syrian opposition and civilians”, days after Moscow began raids to support Syria’s government. Moscow says it is targeting Islamic State and other Islamist positions, but US-led allies and Turkey say government opponents are targeted.
Moscow has not responded to NATO’s comments. However Russian government’s defence committee chief said Russia had not ruled out attacking rebel positions using warships.
The Russian air campaign began on Wednesday, with Moscow saying it was targeting IS positions and those of other Islamist groups.
Meanwhile, Russian incursion into Turkish air space on Saturday has set alarm bells ringing in NATO with Alliance ambassadors describing it as “irresponsible behaviour”.
NATO has called on Russia to “take all necessary measures” to ensure that such violations do not take place in the future.