U.S. Marines Conduct Live-Fire Drills With Syrian 'Rebels' In Rare Display Aimed At Russia

"On Thursday an anti-Assad group in Syria's south confirmed to Reuters via its 'rebel' commander that it is conducting rare military exercises with American forces in order to 'send a strong message to Russia and Iran that the Americans and the rebels intend to stay and confront any threats to their presence,' according to a new Reuters report. The anti-Assad commander, Colonel Muhanad al Talaa, is part of the Pentagon-backed Maghawir al Thawra group now conducting eight days of 'live-fire and ground assault' drills that involve 'hundreds' of U.S. troops and allied Syrian insurgents cooperating together."