Syrian conflict enters complicated new phase

Washington’s US$500 million (S$697.2 million) programme to train and equip Syrian rebels to fight against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria was terminated yesterday (Oct 9), after the programme failed to produce any kind of ground combat forces capable of taking on the IS.

Instead United States defence officials are planning to teach Syrian rebel leaders operational manoeuvres like calling in airstrikes, which the US and its coalition partners have been carrying out against the terror group since September 2014. However, Washington’s plan may be further complicated by Russian airstrikes against US-allied Syrian rebel groups since last month – which Moscow is carrying out under the guise of fighting IS.

TODAY takes a look at the recent air campaigns undertaken by Russia, US coalition forces, and Turkey in the region since the end of last month.