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BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- France has carried out its first air strikes against the Islamic State in Syria. President Francois Hollande says that French warplanes attacked an Islamic State training camp near the town of Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria. CCTV's Jessica Stone has more from Washington.
France has been partnering with dozens of other countries in the U.S.-led fight against ISIL when it comes to airstrikes in Iraq... but on Sunday, it added its first target in Syria.
"Some other strikes could take place in the coming weeks if necessary still with the same goal, which is about identifying targets that correspond to training centers or places where we are aware that the terrorist group Daish is threatening the security or could threaten the security," Hollande said.
It's clear that U-S efforts to arm and train the so-called moderate Syrian opposition have failed.
Two weeks ago, a top American general said only four or five remained from the first wave of recruits. According to the Pentagon, a second group of 70 MORE - recently gave away arms and vehicles to an al-Qaeda affiliate.
And with hundreds of migrants pouring into Europe to escape the violence in Syria, pressure is mounting to act.
Enter Russia... which has been building up military support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad....and trying to build a broader anti-ISIL coalition of its own.
Now, the Russians will coordinate with the Iraqis, Iranians and Syrians.
Both the Russians and the Iranians see no reason not to work with Syria's President.
"There is only one legitimate army there - the army of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. He is faced with opposition according to the interpretation of some of our international partners. Assad's army is fighting against terrorist organizations," Putin said.
"I think today everyone has accepted that Assad must remain so that we can combat the terrorists. However, as soon as this movement reaches the success and starts driving out the terrorists on a step by step basis, then other plans must be put into action so as to hear the voices of the opposition as well," said Hassan Rouhani, Iranian president.
Iranian-backed Shia militias are already on the ground - fighting ISIL in Iraq. But the U-S led coalition claims it does NOT coordinate strikes with them - directly.
Washington has vowed not to coordinate with Damascus in the air battle... and is still calling for Assad to step down.
And now, with so many competing militaries in one country, Washington says a lack of coordination could lead to disaster.
"This is the beginning of a genuine effort to see if there is a way to de-conflict, but also to find a way forward that will be effective in keeping a united, secular Syria," said John Kerry, US secretary of state.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
