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Pentagon Considers Launching Limited Military Action against Assad | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (R) makes a statement next to French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault prior to a bilateral meeting on the crisis in Syria, at the State Department in Washington, October 7, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Theiler


Washington- The Pentagon is considering carrying out limited attacks in Syria that don’t drag U.S. President Barack Obama to an embarrassing situation, along with several U.S. security bodies holding meetings since weeks to figure out a solution to the rising crisis in Aleppo amid potential U.S. attacks against the Syrian regime.

Officials in the Pentagon and the White House told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that these airstrikes will not be disclosed and the U.S. won’t claim them publicly.

Some analysts expressed concerns over the mounting tension between Russia and the U.S. as this might drift the Syrian war and spur a military conflict. However, the Pentagon source seems certain that a U.S. decisive military step can be taken without any risk or real danger.

Furthermore, Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday called for a war crimes investigation with the Russian and the Syrian regime, given their continuous attacks on Syrian civilians.

“Russia and the regime owe the world more than an explanation about why they keep striking hospitals, medical facilities and children and women,” Kerry said in a news conference with his French counterpart.

“These are acts that beg for an appropriate investigation of war crimes, and those who commit these would and should be held accountable for these actions,” Kerry added.

For his part, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault spoke about the French efforts to push towards a ceasefire in Syria, describing the situation in Aleppo as “extremely dangerous”.

Ayrault met, earlier, Russian officials to discuss efforts to reach a ceasefire especially after Washington-Moscow truce collapsed, tension increased and accusations were being exchanged.

Yet, the political arena seems suspicious towards Obama’s administration desire or ability to take such a tough decision at the meantime.