LONDON (Sputnik) — Syria has been in a state of civil war since March 2011. Government forces have been fighting on multiple fronts against opposition forces and numerous extremist militant groups, such as Islamic State and the Nusra Front.
"We want Russia to use its influence with [Syrian President Bashar] Assad to find a diplomatic solution and help alleviate the humanitarian crisis," Fallon said at a joint news conference with US Defense Secretary Ash Carter, who is on a visit to London.
The West does not consider Syrian President Bashar Assad to be the legitimate president of the country, while Moscow asserts that the Assad administration is the legitimate authority in Syria.
Russia’s Sukhoi Su-25, Su-24M and Su-34 attack aircraft, with the support of Su-30 jets, commenced precision airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria on September 30, following a request from Assad.
