Russia to US: We will use air defense to protect Syrian army

The Russian military is warning the United States against striking Syrian government forces, saying it’s ready to use its air defense weapons to protect them.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov warns that the Russian military won’t have time to contact its US counterparts if they see missiles on way to target — indicating it would strike back without warning should Syrian forces be attacked.

Konashenkov voices concern about media reports alleging that Washington is considering strikes on Syrian troops. He says strikes on government-controlled areas could threaten Russian forces there.

A US-led coalition airstrike killed over 60 Syrian government soldiers last month. The US says the strike was unintentional and had been targeting the Islamic State group, but Moscow questions this account.

— AP