NATO: Russia attacking Syrian opposition instead Daesh

Russia is mostly targeting Syrian opposition forces instead Daesh, NATO reiterated Thursday.

Speaking to reporters following a closed-door defense ministers meeting in Brussels, Petr Pavel, the chairman of NATO's Military Committee, said: "It is well known [that] Russia is mostly attacking opposition forces instead ISIL [Daesh] or other forces which are considered to be extremist or terrorist."

The 28-nation alliance also underlined support for the Afghan security forces, which continue to face significant challenges such as the emergence of Daesh affiliates.

"We'll continue to work on those readiness and responsiveness issues that bring our force to a better position to be able to react to all challenges," NATO's supreme commander in Europe, U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, told reporters following the meeting Thursday.

On Dec.2, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also urged NATO allies following a defense ministers meeting in Brussels to step up the fight against Daesh.

"I called on every NATO ally to step up support in the fight against Daesh, striking at the organization’s core in Syria and Iraq," Kerry said.

Anadolu Agency