US monitoring reports on alleged Russian forces in Syria (White House)

Washington is closely monitoring media reports that Russia has allegedly deployed its contingent to Syria, White House spokesman Josh Earnest has said.

"We are aware of reports that Russia may have deployed military personnel and aircraft to Syria, and we are monitoring those reports quite closely," Earnest said, without detailing if Washington believes the reports that have been earlier rejected by the Kremlin.

The official said evidence has been "inconclusive" to what this activity is. The US considers that the support for Syrian President Bashar Assad is "destabilising and counterproductive," he added.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday rejected media reports about possible participation of Russian Armed Forces in airstrikes against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group. "You should not believe these media reports," Peskov told journalists.

Several foreign media outlets reported earlier that Russian aviation may take part in carrying out airstrikes against IS positions in Syria. Reports said equipment has already been transferred to conduct the operation.
 [tass.ru]
4/9/15
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