Russia says might use force to cease-fire violators in Syria

Russia is warning that it will start responding to cease-fire violations in Syria unilaterally starting Tuesday if the United States refuses to coordinate rules of engagement against the violators.

Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi of the Russian General Staff said in a statement on Monday that Russia will do that because the U.S., in talks with Russia last week, had refused to coordinate a joint response.

Russian President Vladimir Putin last week recalled some of Russian warplanes from Syria, but said the action against the Islamic State group and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front will continue.

The Russian- and U.S.-brokered cease-fire that began on Feb. 27 has helped significantly reduce hostilities. The IS and the Nusra Front have been excluded from the truce.