U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Wednesday the Russian airstrikes in Syria appear to have targeted areas that do not include Islamic State fighters.
Carter made the comment at a Pentagon news conference, where he offered few details about the strikes but said they point out a contradiction in Russia's approach. He said the Russians should not be supporting Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, and their military moves are "doomed to fail."
Carter also expressed disappointment that the Russians did not use formal channels to provide the U.S. with advance notice of its airstrikes.
"By supporting Assad and seemingly taking on everyone who is fighting Assad, you're taking on the whole rest of the country of Syria," Carter said. "That is not our position. At least some parts of the anti-Assad opposition belong in the political transition going forward. That's why . the Russian approach is doomed to fail."
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said earlier on Wednesday the United States is prepared to welcome Russian military action in Syria as long as it is directed against the Islamic State group and al-Qaida affiliates.
Speaking at the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday, Kerry said that the U.S. would have "grave concerns" if Russia conducted strikes against other groups. And, he said Russian operations must not support Syrian President Bashar Assad or interfere with those of the U.S.-led coalition that is already attacking Islamic States targets.
