As US-backed Syrian forces launch assaul­t on last IS redoub­tWASHINGTON: The US and Russian military chiefs are to meet on Monday in Vienna to discuss operations in Syria, where the US has decided to leave a residual force to protect its Kurdish allies. “The two military leaders will discuss the deconfliction of coalition and Russian operations in Syria, plus exchange views on the state of US-Russia military relations and the current international security situation in Europe and other key topics,” Ryder said. Issues between the US and Russian militaries also include tensions over nuclear forces in Europe, with the US renouncing the 1986 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty, citing Russian noncompliance. Despite the conflict in Syria and the rising bilateral tensions, the military chiefs have kept open a channel of communications. US officials say IS is on the verge of losing its last bit of territory in Syria.

Source: The Express Tribune March 04, 2019 06:00 UTC