Russia Urges Coordination over Syria to Prevent 'Incidents'

Russia on Friday called for coordination between a U.S.-led coalition and Moscow to avoid "unintended incidents" in Syria where Washington accuses it of expanding its military presence.

In recent days Russia has faced criticism from the United States which says Moscow is ramping up its military presence in Syria in an apparent bid to prop up President Bashar Assad.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said coordination with the Syrian government is important because an air campaign is not enough to quash Islamic State militants.

Russia's top diplomat stressed that "all sides" involved in the Syrian conflict should coordinate their actions.

"Coordination is also important to prevent various unintended incidents," Lavrov told reporters.

He also urged the United States to resume military cooperation with Moscow that has been put on ice during the Ukraine conflict.

"We are always in favor of the (two countries') military speaking to each other in a professional manner," he said. 

"They understand each other well. It is important to avoid undesirable unintended incidents."

Washington has accused Moscow of a military buildup in Syria, raising concerns Russia could hamper plans by the U.S.-led coalition to step up operations against jihadists in the war-torn country. 

U.S. officials have expressed concerns that Russia may strike Western-backed rebel groups battling Assad and ultimately risk a confrontation with forces fighting the Islamic State group.

Russia has denied it is expanding its military presence in Syria but has pledged more support for Assad.

Lavrov also said that Russia regularly conducted naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea, although he did not say if such drills were under way at the moment.

Syria's conflict began with anti-government demonstrations in March 2011.

But after a bloody crackdown by the ruling regime, it spiraled into a multi-front civil war that has left more than 240,000 people dead.