Pentagon inching closer to war with Russia as it considers ways to protect U.S.-trained rebels in Syria
(NationalSecurity.news) Following attacks in recent days by Russian
warplanes, Pentagon planners are considering ways to protect U.S.-backed
and trained rebels in Syria, including the use of military force, The
Associated Press (AP) reported Friday.
Were such an option to be chosen, that would not only represent a
major escalation in the Syrian conflict but also risk open war with a
major power, analysts noted.
The AP noted that senior U.S. military and defense officials are
currently said to be examining thorny legal and foreign policy issues,
as well as weighing the risks of using force in response to a Russian
attack.
When asked about U.S. options, Defense Secretary Ash Carter declined
to discuss specifics. However, the AP notes that U.S. officials have
separately acknowledged that these are questions being asked as they
consider broader options open to the Obama Administration in response to
what White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest described last week as
Russia’s “indiscriminate military operations against the Syrian
opposition.”
