US Air Force set to increase airstrikes in Iraq, Syria
The United States is gearing up to increase its airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, despite concerns over the eruption of a major conflict between American and Russian forces running their own military campaigns in the region.
US Air Force Lieutenant General Charles Brown said on Saturday that Washington and its allies will increase the attacks against Daesh (ISIL) in the coming weeks.
Speaking on the sidelines of the biannual Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference, Brown said that “a little bit of a lull” in attacks came in September and October, due to poor weather and a lack of movement of Daesh forces on the ground.
"If they're not out and about, it's harder to strike, particularly for an adversary that may wrap themselves in the civilian population," said the general. “We are starting to see movement now.”
The slowdown of US airstrikes, however, coincided with Russia’s launching of its own airstrikes in Syria.
Moscow launched its air campaign against Daesh Takfiri terrorists on September 30. The US has also been carrying out attacks in Syria, allegedly pounding Daesh positions in the country.
Last month, Washington and Moscow signed a "memorandum of understanding" to minimize the risk of air collisions over Syria.
Brown, however, said the agreement with Russia did not hinder US forces from carrying out strikes in Syria. "We've said we're going to fly where we need to get the job done."
The general said the agreement was working well, and no incidents had been reported. “They don't want a mid-air and neither do we."
Military experts warned recently that a major conflict could be triggered between the US and Russia as the Syrian airspace has become increasingly crowded.
The US military claimed on Friday that its warplanes, along with those of allies, targeted ISIL terrorists in Iraq with 14 airstrikes on Thursday, also hitting the terrorists with nine air raids in Syria.
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