Russia and US defense chiefs in Syria talks

Russia and the United States launched military talks on the Syrian conflict on Friday as Moscow stepped up its buildup of forces in the war-torn country.
 
The phone conversation between Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter ended an 18-month freeze in military relations triggered by NATO anger over Moscow's role in the Ukraine crisis.
 
Russia's defense ministry said the talk marks a resumption of military-to-military cooperation between the countries and that the practise would continue, although Washington was a little more circumspect. 
 
Spokesman Igor Konashenkov said the call lasted one hour and focused on "the necessity to coordinate bilateral and multilateral efforts to combat international terrorism." 
 
Washington has expressed concern over any Russian military buildup in Syria as a boost to President Bashar al-Assad, accusing Moscow of sending ships, artillery and tanks.
 
And on Friday, a US official told AFP that four Russian fighter jets had been seen on the Latakia airbase in Syria.
 
Moscow argues that any military support falls in line with existing defense contracts, but reports have surfaced of secret deployments to Syria, where Moscow has a Soviet-era naval facility and where the Assad regime is battling Islamic State (IS) extremists.
 
President Vladimir Putin's spokesman said Moscow would consider any request for troops from ally Assad, comments likely to heighten Washington's security concerns.
 
"If there is any request then it would naturally be discussed and evaluated through bilateral contacts and dialogue," the spokesman was quoted as saying by Russian news agency RIA Novosti. 
  
'No joint combat'

Putin...