Putin says Russia is supplying arms to the Free Syrian Army

Speaking to Defense Ministry officials today, Vladimir Putin announced that Russia is providing logistical assistance, including arms, to the Free Syrian Army.

"The work of our Air Force promotes joint efforts with both Syrian government troops and the forces of the Free Syrian Army," Putin said.

"We support them from the air, just as we support the Syrian Army, assisting them with arms, munitions, and material resources," Putin told the assembly, according to a statement on the Kremlin's website.

• The Free Syrian Army, created in 2011 by former officers of the Syrian military and supported by the United States, is at war with the government forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
• In early October, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Free Syrian Army is the country's opposition and "part of the political process," rejecting claims that the group is a terrorist organization.
• Since September 30, Russia has carried out airstrikes in Syria. Officials in Moscow say the campaign targets terrorists (primarily ISIL strongholds), though Syrian rebels and several Western countries accuse Russia of focusing many of its attacks on Assad's opponents.