The U.S. has accused the Syrian regime of launching airstrikes in support of the Islamic State, according to the official Twitter account for the U.S. Embassy Syria.
In a tweet published late Monday, the embassy said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime launched airstrikes in support of the terror group’s advance on Syria’s largest city, Aleppo.
“Reports indicate that the regime is making air-strikes in support of ISIL’s advance on Aleppo, aiding extremists against Syrian population,” said the post, using a different acronym for the Islamic State.
In a string of tweets, the U.S. embassy condemned Assad’s actions, saying he “will never be an effective counterterrorism partner.” Embassy operations have been suspended since 2012, but the Twitter account is still active.
Reports indicate that the regime is making air-strikes in support of #ISIL's advance on #Aleppo, aiding extremists against Syrian population
— U.S. Embassy Syria (@USEmbassySyria) June 1, 2015
Reports indicate that the regime is making air-strikes in support of #ISIL's advance on #Aleppo, aiding extremists against Syrian population
— U.S. Embassy Syria (@USEmbassySyria) June 1, 2015
As we have long said, Bashar al #Asad lost legitimacy long ago and will never be an effective counterterrorism partner. #Syria #ISIL
— U.S. Embassy Syria (@USEmbassySyria) June 1, 2015
With these latest reports, #Asad is not only avoiding #ISIL lines, but, actively seeking to bolster their positon. #Syria
— U.S. Embassy Syria (@USEmbassySyria) June 1, 2015
The Islamic State launched a surprise offensive against Aleppo over the weekend, on the heels of militants capturing Palmyra and Iraqi city Ramadi, despite more than eight months of U.S.-led airstrikes.
A rebel spokesperson said a “bargain” was struck between Assad and the Islamic State, reports The Washington Post. “The coordination . . . is clear proof that the two partners, the Islamic State and Assad, are on one side against the mujahideen revolutionaries in Syria,” said Col. Mohammed al-Ahmed, according to Post reporter Liz Sly.
This is one in a long line of stories alleging collusion between the Assad regime and the Islamic State. Travel sanctions by the European Union suggested they were sharing oil and gas profits in March. (Oil Man May Be The Shady Bridge Between ISIS And Syrian Government)
Syrian officials have denied similar allegations and say the regime fights the Islamic State in every place it holds territory, reported Reuters.
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