Syrian opposition seeks anti-aircraft weapons
(Baonghean.vn) - On October 10, the main opposition group in Syria called on foreign allies to provide rebel forces with surface-to-air weapons to fight against devastating airstrikes in the city of Aleppo.
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| A soldier carries a shoulder-mounted air defense system during a military exercise. Photo: Sputnik. |
After two days of negotiations in the Saudi capital Riyadh, HNC spokesman Salem al-Meslet said the Syrian opposition hopes "brotherly and friendly countries... lift the embargo on sophisticated weapons imposed on this side".
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led Arab coalition has called on the opposition fighting against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to be provided with advanced weapons such as MANPADS shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles.
Experts say this could change the balance of power on the battlefield and make Damascus more willing to negotiate, but US officials worry the weapons could fall into the hands of extremists.
Recently, the Syrian government army and Russian warplanes have increased airstrikes on Aleppo, killing dozens of civilians and raising concerns among the international community.
Lan Ha
(According to AFP)
