The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is asking Russia to back off from air strikes in Syria. In a statement that’s out on its website Monday, Nato says the potential implications of Russia’s recent air strikes are dangerous and calls Russia’s attacks in Syria “irresponsible behaviour.”

Agencies & FP Staff: The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is asking Russia to back off from air strikes in Syria. In a statement that’s out on its website Monday, Nato says the potential implications of Russia’s recent air strikes are dangerous and calls Russia’s attacks in Syria “irresponsible behaviour.”

“Allies call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease its attacks on the Syrian opposition and civilians, to focus its efforts on fighting IS, and to promote a solution to the conflict through a political transition,” the statement said.

Russian military actions have reached a more dangerous level with the recent violations of Turkish airspace on 3 October and 4 October by Russian Air Force SU-30 and SU-24 aircraft in the Hatay region. The aircraft in question entered Turkish airspace despite Turkish authorities’ clear, timely and repeated warnings. In accordance with NATO practice, Turkish fighter aircraft responded to these incursions by closing to identify the intruder, after which the Russian planes departed Turkish airspace.

For analysis and a bird’s eye view of what’s going on, click on this link for detailed BBC News reports.