WASHINGTON (AP) – Russia’s launch of airstrikes in Syria is prompting discussions within the Pentagon about whether the U.S. should use military force to protect U.S.-trained and equipped Syrian rebels if they come under Russian fire.
U.S. officials say that senior military leaders and defense officials are working through the thorny legal and foreign policy issues and are weighing the risks of using force in response to a Russian attack.
The officials say the broader dilemma being debated concerns how the administration should respond to what White House press secretary Josh Earnest describes as Russia’s “indiscriminate military operations against the Syrian opposition.”
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss ongoing discussions publicly.