Russia criticise US attempts to provide air cover to Syrian rebels

Kremlin denounced Monday the U.S. attempts to provide air cover for Syrian rebels, indicating it will ultimately destabilize the country's situation.

"We have repeatedly stressed that the assistance, especially financial or technical one, to the Syrian opposition would further destabilize the situation in the country," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Once implemented, the plans would benefit the so-called Islamic State (IS) terrorists, weakening the counter potential of the Syrian capital Damascus, Peskov said.

"This is a fundamental disagreement between Moscow and Washington over Syria," he added.

On Sunday, U.S. President Barack Obama reportedly authorized air defense to U.S.-backed Syrian rebels against attacks from terrorists or Syrian government forces.