US concerned by Russia moving forces north of Aleppo

By Kasim Ileri

WASHINGTON

Russia is moving forces and equipment to the north of Aleppo in support of the Syrian government, a U.S. defense official confirmed Thursday to Anadolu Agency.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the official’s confirmation follows local reports that claimed Russia has been repositioning artillery to northern Syria as the government prepares another assault on Aleppo.

A Pentagon spokesman, Captain Jeff Davis, noted the Pentagon’s concern about Russian activities in support of the regime but declined to get into specifics.

Although Moscow pulled out more than half of its fighter aircraft in mid-March, it has broadly preserved air and ground capabilities within the war-torn country to prop up the Bashar al-Assad regime.

"We've been concerned about reports of Russia moving materiel into Syria," Ben Rhodes, deputy national security adviser to President Barack Obama, said at a briefing earlier in the day in Riyadh where Obama was at a summit with Gulf leaders.

"We think it would be negative for Russia to move additional military equipment or personnel into Syria. We believe that our efforts are best focused on supporting the diplomatic process," Rhodes added.

Syrian opposition has accused the Assad regime of violating a cessation of hostilities agreement crafted in Geneva in February, to capture Aleppo that is already divided between the regime and opposition forces.