CNN: US forced to admit Russia helped ease tensions in Syria

According to Sputnik, CNN quoted the Pentagon as saying that the US military acknowledged that Russia had helped ease tensions in southern Syria.

Syrian civilians flee IS-occupied areas in Raqqa on June 8. (Source: EPA/VNA)

CNN said the Americans have long believed that Russia has little influence over armed groups in the region.

US officials have acknowledged that Russia has helped ease tensions in southern Syria, where the US has carried out several airstrikes in recent days against Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim groups and pro-Syrian government groups.

According to CNN, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis stated: "Russia has been very helpful. I believe the order we see today is largely due to their efforts."

The US has long believed that the Russians have little influence over armed groups in the region. “These forces are not under the command or control of Russia,” Mr. Davis said. “They are regime forces. Russia can’t stop them, but they can certainly communicate our concerns to them. It’s clearly working quite well.”

According to the source, in private conversations, the Russians expressed support for the US actions despite publicly criticizing the Americans.

Asked about US air strikes in the region over the past week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: "Of course, these are aggressive actions, violating Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

According to Vietnamplus