US and Russia to resume talks on air safety in Syria

“The Department of Defense has received a formal response from the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the US proposal to ensure safe air operations over Syria,” Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a statement.

“Department leaders are reviewing the Russian response, and talks could take place as soon as this weekend,” Cook said. According to Pentagon <g data-gr-id="15">officials</g> the two countries had conducted talks on air safety via video conference on October 1. After <g data-gr-id="14">that</g> the US did not hear anything from Russia.

Earlier in the day, the US alleged that Russia is targeting moderate opposition groups in Syria. “The vast majority of the strikes we’ve seen them conduct to date continue to be against opposition groups and not against ISIL,” State Department Spokesperson John Kirby said. “What I can tell you that what we’ve seen so far in terms of Russian military activity and the strikes they’re taking, that they are predominantly against opposition groups,” he said.