Russia must change military targeting in Syria: Kerry

Russia must change its military targeting as it backs the Syrian regime, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Saturday, as world powers seek a cessation of hostilities in the war-torn country within a week.

“To date, the vast majority of Russia’s attacks have been against legitimate opposition groups,” Kerry said. “To adhere to the agreement it made, we think it is critical that Russia’s targeting change.” 

Russia has supported the regime of President Bashar al-Assad against rebel forces whom it collectively labels “terrorists”. The United States has provided some support to the rebels and called for Assad to leave power. Yesterday’s agreement called for a “cessation of hostilities” within a week and for greatly increased humanitarian access, but it excludes the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda-linked jihadists.

 “There’s a lot of work to do before an effective cessation can commence,” Kerry said. He stressed this was the crucial moment in a five-year war that has claimed more than 250,000 lives.