We’re seeing multiple reports this morning that Russia ordered U.S. airplanes out of Syrian airspace and bombed alleged ISIS targets near the Syrian city of Homs:
US Defense Official: #Russia asked US to avoid #Syria airspace during its new anti #ISIS flights but US won't alter ops in any way
— Barbara Plett Usher (@BBCBarbaraPlett) September 30, 2015
@statedeptspox – Russia asked US and coalition to clear Syrian air space for their strikes – incredible pic.twitter.com/QvGh9FdtwK
— Molly O'Toole (@mollymotoole) September 30, 2015
Russia conducts its first airstrike in Syria, near the city of Homs, a senior U.S. official tells @barbarastarrcnn. http://t.co/UgDHKa8rtD
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) September 30, 2015
These targets, however, might actually be anti-Assad rebels and not ISIS:
Video from a Syrian opposition group in Ltamenah alleging Russia bombed them. Not an ISIS held town. https://t.co/xDd1OrP3Bt
— Eliot Higgins (@EliotHiggins) September 30, 2015
https://twitter.com/DavidKenner/status/649192343854313472
Surprise surprise. US says Russia didn't hit Isis.
— Michael Weiss (@michaeldweiss) September 30, 2015
Pretty clear Russia's plan is just to say everyone it hits on Assad's behalf is ISIS
— Blake News (@blakehounshell) September 30, 2015
Photo circulating of #Russia first airstrike in Homs #Syria. Activists saying it hit Rebels (not ISIS) in Talbiseh pic.twitter.com/rHF6EJuZAH
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) September 30, 2015
No wonder Russian intel has had higher estimates than US intel of ISIS membership size: Russia views many Islamist groups as basically ISIS.
— Max Abrahms (@MaxAbrahms) September 30, 2015
Pretty much.
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