Heavy Fighting (And Bombing) Reported In Rebel Held Damascus Suburbs

USA Today: Russian airstrikes are bolstering Syrian dictator's grip on power

WASHINGTON — Russian airstrikes aimed at rebel groups in Syria have strengthened the regime of Bashar Assad, undercutting President Obama's hope of using diplomatic pressure to force the Syrian dictator’s removal.

The Russian airstrikes, which began more than two months, have helped Syrian ground forces retake territory and consolidate power for Moscow's long-time ally Assad, who had been suffering defeats as Syria's civil war drags on well into its fifth year.

Assad's force “clearly have benefited from having the support of Russian air power,” Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Russian support for Assad is “wrong headed and counterproductive ... because it fuels the civil war in Syria.”

WNU Editor: When urban areas get bombed in this manner .... civilian casualties sky-rocket .... and now new strikes are being reported .... New airstrikes hit Damascus suburb day after 45 were killed (AP). Apparently these bombing missions are helping the Syrian military .... The Latest: Syria Troops Seize Air Base in Rebel-Held Suburb (AP). More here .... Syria regime, allies recapture key airbase near Damascus (AFP)

More News On Heavy Fighting (And Bombing) Reported In Rebel Held Damascus Suburbs

45 Civilians Killed in Bombing of Syrian Rebel Strongholds, Reports Say -- Time
45 civilians killed in Syrian rebel bastion: monitor -- AFP
Russia and Syrian regime launch deadly new blitz on rebel-held Damascus stronghold in strikes 'which kill 31 civilians' -- Daily Mail
School Hit By Unidentified Warplanes In Syria -- SKY News
Dozens die in strikes on Syrian school district, other areas -- Reuters
Syria crisis: Damascus hit by deadly clashes -- BBC
Syrian rebels fire barrage of mortar shells into capital -- AP