Syrian war: Russia capable of more, says Putin

Risingbd Desk: President Vladimir Putin has said Russia is using "far from everything we are capable of" in its military operations in Syria.

"We also have other things as well and will use them if necessary," the Russian president said.

Mr Putin was speaking a day after the UN Security Council endorsed a peace plan for the war-torn nation, including calls for a ceasefire.

The Syrian war, heading into its fifth year, has killed more than 250,000 people and displaced millions more.

The resolution, passed unanimously by the UN Security Council, sets out a timetable for formal talks and a unity government within six months.

However, the resolution makes no mention of the future role of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Western countries have called for his departure, but Russia and China say he should not be required to leave power as a precondition for peace talks.

Russia - a key ally of the Syrian president - has previously blocked resolutions critical of Mr Assad at the UN Security Council and has continued to supply weapons to the Syrian military despite international criticism.

In September Russian forces began launching air strikes against rebels, saying the so-called Islamic State (IS) and "all terrorists" were targets. However, Western-backed groups were reported to have been hit.

Source: BBC

Risingbd/Dec 20, 2015/Mukul