Russia accuses Turkey of arming extremists in Syria

UNITED NATIONS — Russia is accusing three Turkish foundations of supplying weapons and military equipment to the Islamic State group in Syria and says $1.9 million worth of explosives and chemicals were smuggled across Turkey's border to extremist groups.

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said in a letter to the U.N. Security Council circulated Friday that Turkey is the main supplier of weapons and ammunition to IS fighters. He said the transfers are overseen by the country's National Intelligence Organization.

Turkey's U.N. Mission did not immediately answer calls seeking comment on the Russian letter.

Russia's recent air campaign has helped close ally Syrian army make broad advances on the ground. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other regional players have backed opponents of Syrian President Bashar Assad and oppose any strengthening of the Damascus government.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More In Your Military

Ramstein rethinks Pride Month events after critics bash ‘Drag Queen Story Time’ for kids

Objections centered on the library gathering but allegedly have led to a blanket ban from local leadership on any drag-related Pride Month event.

Navy ups logistics capability in High North, Arctic region

Defence Munitions Crombie in eastern Scotland may grow into a logistics hub from which the Navy "can better facilitate end-to-end sustainment across Europe’s High North region.”

Army locked public report after story on overdue suicide regulation

The change came less than a week after Army Times cited the report in an April story about soldier suicide.

‘In the crosshairs’: Department of Navy releases climate change strategy

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro describes climate change as an "existential threat" for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Possible motive in Vanessa Guillen murder revealed in new court records

The release of the Texas DPS document comes as Aguilar is attempting to have her confession thrown out as inadmissible.

In Other News

US Army signs deal to backfill Stingers sent to Ukraine

Raytheon has netted a contract to build Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to replace those the U.S. military sent to Ukraine.

Air Force’s Haugh confirmed as US Cyber Command deputy

In 2019, he said the U.S. was “engaged in power competition with adversaries in all domains today,” further describing intelligence as “the fuel that commanders require to maneuver in response.”

Can we honor deaths by suicide on Memorial Day?

Families of veterans who died by suicide likely may wonder if we’re guilty of “stolen valor” when openly honoring them on Memorial Day.

Services detail plans to beef up mental health services for troops, families

'We understand this will not be an easy or a quick fix.'

Tribute for late VA chief Max Cleland, who lost limbs in war

President Joe Biden and three former presidents have paid tribute to late Veterans Administration chief and U.S. senator Max Cleland, who lost limbs while serving in Vietnam.

Load More