Putin risks wrath of the West as Russia launches air strikes ‘against Syria rebels’

Russia has carried out its first air strikes in Syria against opponents of president Bashar al-Assad in a move which opened deep divisions with western powers. The strikes were in and around the city of Homs and American officials say Washington was informed an hour before they took place. Mr Putin wants to bolster the Assad regime, which wrote to the Russian leader asking for his military support to tackle US-backed rebels and Islamic State fighters. Russia said its first strikes were against IS targets, although the U.S. said they struck rebel-held areas.

Because if today this hydra is not crushed at its roots, where it is already at war, if we do not destroy Islamic State today, Isil could come to threaten the entire world, including Europe and Russia.

Valentina Matvienko, speaker of the Russian upper house of parliament

The attacks were launched hours after the Russian parliament gave its approval. When the U.S. was informed of the plan, it was told to keep its aircraft out of the area. Mr Putin said: “We certainly are not going to plunge head-on into this conflict… we will be supporting the Syrian army purely in its legitimate fight with terrorist groups.” According to human rights observers, at least 27 people, including five women and six children were killed in the strikes. David Cameron said: “If this is a part of international action against Isil, that appalling terrorist death cult outfit, then that is all to the good. If, on the other hand, this is action against the Free Syrian Army in support of Assad the dictator, then obviously that is a retrograde step.”

This means that now everything is allowed; anyone against Bashar will be a target.

Bebars al-Telawi, media activist from Syrian city of Homs

Putin Syria Politics