Syria opposition welcomes US strikes, urges pressure on Assad

Syria's opposition National Coalition on Tuesday welcomed U.S.-led air strikes against the Islamic State group, but urged sustained pressure on President Bashar Assad's government.
"Tonight, the international community has joined our fight against ISIS in Syria," Coalition president Hadi al-Bahra said, using an alternative acronym for the jihadist group.
"We have called for air strikes such as those that commenced tonight with a heavy heart and deep concern... We insist that utmost care is taken to avoid civilian casualties," he added.
The comments came after a U.S.-led coalition assembled to battle the IS group began air strikes against the jihadist group in eastern and northern Syria on Tuesday morning.
The opposition Coalition has backed strikes against IS, but also urged continued attention to the Assad regime.
"We are calling on all our partners to maintain pressure on the Assad regime," Bahra said.
"This war cannot be won by military means alone," he added.
"It requires a comprehensive strategy with political, economic and social components –- a process that may be supported by the international community, but must be led and implemented by Syrians."
More than 180,000 people have been killed in Syria since an uprising began in March 2011 against Assad's regime.