Two Saudi-Backed Terrorist Groups Still Gain Ground in Syria - Pentagon

Ahrar ash-Sham and Jaish al-Islam, militant groups supported by Saudi Arabia that operate in Syria, continue to enjoy successes on the battlefield, US Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Col. Steve Warren told reporters on Friday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Russia considers Ahrar ash-Sham and Jaish al-Islam to be terrorist organizations and has opposed including representatives from either group in the intra-Syrian peace talks.

"I am familiar with both of these groups [and] they are continuing to gain successes, they are continuing to learn how to fight this enemy [Islamic State]," Warren stated when asked about his view on the two Saudi-backed militant groups.

Warren noted that both groups fight against Daesh as well as the Syrian government forces, and the United States is continuing to watch how they operate on the battlefield.

The United States, Warren added, has not vetted, does not support and does not consider either Ahrar ash-Sham and Jaish al-Islam to be an ally.