Moscow Proposes Joint Syria Air Strikes, US Says No

Despite diplomatic efforts, Moscow and Washington have been critical of each other’s bombing campaigns in Syria.

A Syrian national flag flutters next to the Islamic State’s slogan in the city of Palmyra, Syria in 2016. (Photo: Reuters)

• Moscow has proposed that Russia and United States, which have been flying separate bombing campaigns in Syria, launch joint air strikes against jihadists from next week, a proposal the Pentagon has swiftly rejected. The proposal includes strikes against Jabhat al-Nusra and other illegal armed groups that do not support a frail truce brokered by Moscow and Washington.
  

We are proposing to the US, as the head of the International Syria Support Group, to take part as of May 25 in joint operations between the Russian air force and the air force of the coalition. 

Sergei Shoigu, Russian Defence Minister

• However, hours later Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis rejected Moscow’s proposal, saying the US military does ‘not collaborate or coordinate with the Russians on any operations in Syria because Russian operations are supporting and enabling the Assad regime.
  
  
• Russia and the United States pledged earlier this month to redouble efforts to find a solution to the Syrian conflict, which has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced millions since 2011. Despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the five-year conflict, Moscow and Washington have been critical of each other’s bombing campaigns in Syria.
  

(With PTI inputs)