UK: What Russia does in Syria is 'aggression'

Russia's bombing campaign in Syria is considered an "aggression," since it targets the moderate opposition groups and civilians rather than the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), according to Gareth Bayley, the U.K.'s special representative to Syria.

"We completely condemn Russian actions on Syrian soil. Russia says it is hitting Daesh [ISIL] but a large majority of its operations are against the moderate groups, not Daesh, and hundreds of civilians are dying. That's why what they do is an aggression," Bayley told daily Hürriyet in a recent interview in Istanbul. 

The U.K. joined the U.S.-led coalition in launching airstrikes against ISIL in Syria following a parliamentary vote for military action on Dec. 2. Russia began air strikes in northwestern Syria against ISIL and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in late September.

"I think the Russians are claiming to fight terrorism but in fact they are attacking moderate people who believe in and stand for a better future for Syria. That's why what they do is an aggression. Their attacks are eliminating hope, harming innocent civilians and probably leading to radicalization of Syrians of all sides. They could have focused on transnational jihadists and terrorists like Daesh and al-Nusra but this is not what they are doing now," Bayley said. 

At the same time, every state in the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) understands that Russia and Iran have positions in Syria, Bayley said. 

"We recognize the fact that Russia is backing the [al-]Assad regime for now. We cannot ignore Russia's or Iran's position. Russia needs to protect her interests at minimum costs. But Russia will not want to conduct operations for an unlimited period of time to back a...