Further Russian intervention in Syrias civil war could make things worse for civilians and the coalition battling Islamic State fighters there, Secretary of State John Kerry warned Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a phone call Saturday. [...]
Reports that U.S. intelligence officials have found evidence of a growing Russian military presence has raised concerns at the White House that Russian President Vladimir Putin is lending even more assistance to Syrian President Bashar Assad than previously known.
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The secretary made clear that if such reports were accurate, these actions could further escalate the conflict, lead to greater loss of innocent life, increase refugee flows and risk confrontation with the anti-ISIL coalition operating in Syria, the statement said.
Syrians have been fleeing a four-year civil war as well as advances by Islamic State militants, who've taken over large swaths of the country.
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U.S. officials have not confirmed Moscows intentions but they are concerned the aid could be used against U.S.-backed opponents of Assads government, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Republican candidate for president, called the developments a slap in the face to President Obama and John Kerry.
This shows you how little respect Russia has for us, Graham said Saturday.
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