Syrian opposition says Washington’s ISIL strategy lacks Assad plan

The National Coalition also sought action against president Bashar Al Assad, saying 'the Assad regime represents the root cause of the violence... prevailing in Syria'.

BEIRUT // Syria’s opposition National Coalition welcomed a US plan to tackle ISIL militants on Thursday, but also urged action against President Bashar Al Assad’s regime.

The group said it backed a US plan for airstrikes in Syria and training of rebel forces, but that a “stable and extremist-free region” required “degrading and ultimately removing the Assad repressive regime”.

Earlier, Barack Obama pledged a “relentless” war against ISIL, an extremist group that has taken over large tracts of territory in Syria and Iraq.

The group has carried out abuses including beheadings and crucifixions, and faced a backlash from Syrian rebel groups opposed to its violations and harsh interpretation of Islam.

Mr Obama said he would “not hesitate to take action against ISIL in Syria” and pledged to strengthen Syria’s opposition.

The Syrian Coalition said it had “long called for this action, and... warned time and again of the growing threat of this extremist group”.

“We urge the US Congress to approve the president’s policy as soon as possible, and allow the training and equipping of the Free Syrian Army,” it said.

The moderate Free Syrian Army “can succeed, but it needs the necessary support that would enable it to form a reliable and well-equipped force”, said the group.

It warned however that it was key to “realise that the Assad regime represents the root cause of the violence, brutality and sense of impunity prevailing in Syria”.

Combating ISIL “alone cannot bring about a stable and extremist-free region”, the group said.

“It takes degrading and ultimately removing the Assad repressive regime seeking the perpetual destabilisation of the entire region for the sole purpose of staying in power.”

Syria’s government has sought to present itself as a partner in the fight against extremists including ISIL.

But it has insisted any military action in its territory must be done in coordination with the government in Damascus.

* Agence France-Presse