KREMLIN THREATENS FORCE IN SYRIA

Russia on Monday warned the United States that it will start responding to ceasefire violations in Syria unilaterally starting Tuesday if the U.S. refuses to co-ordinate rules of engagement against the violators.

The Russian military has accused the U.S. of dragging its feet on responding to Moscow’s proposals on joint monitoring of a Syria ceasefire. A top Russian general said on the weekend that further delays are leading to civilian casualties, like in Aleppo where 67 civilians reportedly have been killed by militant fire since the truce started.

Lt.-Gen. Sergei Rudskoi of the Russian General Staff said Monday that Russia will have to use force unilaterally because the U.S., in talks with Russia last week, had refused to co-ordinate a joint response.

“The American side was not ready for this particular discussion and for the approval of the agreement,” the statement quoted him as saying.