Former DIA Chief: US Weapon Delivery to Opposition to Escalate Syria Crisis

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — US arming Syrian rebels with anti-aircraft missiles could lead to a further escalation of the conflict, former chief of the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Michael Flynn said Monday.

The Washington Post reported Friday that US-backed opposition factions in Syria had asked Washington to supply them with anti-aircraft missiles, allegedly to defend their positions against Russian airstrikes. Moscow previously denied targeting political opposition groups, saying it struck specifically at Islamic States' targets.

"These kinds of issues [delivery of US weapons to the Syrian opposition] can lead to an escalation and that is the last thing we want to do," Flynn told RT television channel.

He stressed that Washington does not want the Syrian crisis to aggravate through "escalation between two powerful nations like Russia and the United States."

The former US intelligence chief added he did not see any solid political movement with real leaders inside Syria who could rule the country politically and be respected internationally and at home. In his opinion, President Assad would, in the long run, step down.

Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with forces of the country's President Bashar Assad fighting opposition factions and numerous extremist groups, including Islamic State and the Nusra Front.

The United States has been arming and training what it terms "moderate" opposition forces in Syria, calling for a regime change in the country.