Isis: Bashar al-Assad warns US-led coalition air strikes in Syria ‘made terror group stronger’

Mr Assad, who is backed by both Russia and Iran, said: “Since the beginning of that coalition, if you want to talk about facts, not opinion, since the beginning of that coalition, Isis has expanded and the recruiting from around the world has increased.

 

“While since the participation of Russia in the same fight, so-called against terrorism, Isis has been shrinking.”

 

Western leaders have demanded Mr Assad step down, and are backing rebel groups fighting against his regime. David Cameron and French president Francois Hollande have described him as a “butcher” of his own people, and responsible for triggering the refugee crisis.

 

Russia, meanwhile, has been criticised for targeting moderate rebels as well as jihadists.

 

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