Russian air forces attacked rebel controlled areas in Syria on Thursday.
It was the second day of attacks on militant groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The Russian led mission was said to be targeting Islamic State strongholds, but the Russian forces are now including any rebel organization that is fighting against the Assad regime in their list of targets.
Although many of these rebel groups do not support ISIS, the Syrian ambassador to Russia said on Thursday that no matter what any of these groups call themselves, they all follow the same terrorist goals of the Islamic State.
A joint statement released on Friday from the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey and other coalition members opposed to the strikes said that Russian interference in Syria will “only fuel more extremism.”
The strikes could last from three to four months according to a senior Russian official.
Nadine Habib is a reporter and enjoys covering foreign affairs, international news, and business.