Local Syrians Have Mixed Reactions To US Airstrikes Against ISIS; Opposition 'Suspicious'

Images of protesters burning U.S. flags and labeling President Barack Obama an "enemy of God" have circulated in the Internet allegedly from the people who have grown suspicious of U.S. intentions in Syria. Those who are against the U.S.-led airstrikes against ISIS declared that the attacks were only helping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, reports said.

As reported in the New York Times, ISIS supporters protested the attacks in Syria, but their numbers have since dwindled when the airstrikes continued. The opposition in Syria has criticised the execution of the airstrikes in interviews as well as online commentary. The insurgents and the activists have pleaded for the U.S. to attack the Syrian government forces and stop them from hitting towns. The opposition had earlier welcomed the decision of the U.S. to launch airstrikes against ISIS as the next best thing.

Political observers remarked that the execution of the airstrikes has become suspicious as people question whether the United States has forgotten the goal of removing Mr Assad from the government.

According to reports, U.S. military officials revealed that majority of the airstrikes have struck ISIS strongholds in eastern Syria. They said troops have exercised caution to avoid hitting civilians and public infrastructures. U.S. Central Command spokesperson Col Patrick Ryder said they have found that local Syrians have mixed reactions regarding the airstrikes.

ISIS is reportedly closing in on the Kurdish city of Kobani near the Turkish border. If ISIS will seize control of Kobani, the extremist group would control the lands from its self-declared capital of Raqqa to the Turkish border, according to CNN.

The U.S. military believes the ongoing airstrikes in Syria has weakened the command and control capabilities of ISIS. Maj GenJeffrey Harrigian, Air Force assistant deputy chief of staff, told reporters in a press briefing that they have evidence of ISIS losing the capability to gather more troops. The Air Force claims the bombers are achieving "good results" while keeping their eye on the ground for threats.

In the recent weeks, Mr Obama has been trying to urge other countries to join the international coalition against ISIS. Many have joined, including Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.