US-led strikes against ISIS in Syria have no tangible results

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Wednesday that airstrikes are insufficient in the battle against the Islamic State (IS) militants, and that the strikes by the U.S.-led anti-terror coalition were not helpful.

"You can't end terrorism with aerial strikes ... Troops on the ground that know the land and can react are essential," Assad said during an interview with a French magazine.

The U.S.-led anti-terror coalition started their strikes against the positions of the IS in Syria late last September. However, the strikes have so far done little to quell the momentum of that terrorist group. The coalition noted that there was no coordination with the Syrian troops regarding the war on the ISIS, known locally as Daesh.

"That is why there haven't been any tangible results in the two months of strikes led by the coalition. It isn't true that the strikes are helpful," Assad said.

• "We are running the ground battles against Daech, and we have noticed no change, especially with Turkey providing direct support to these regions," the president added.

• Meanwhile, Assad said that the current French leadership is working against the interest of the Syrian people.

"We will work with any French dignitary or government in our common interests. But the current administration is working against the interest of our people and that of the French people."
Xinhua - china.org.cn
3/12/14
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