The SYRIAN CIVIL WAR is an ongoing multi-sided armed conflict in SYRIA fought primarily between the government of President BASHAR AL-ASSAD, along with its allies, and various forces opposing both the government and each other in varying constellations.
   The war is being fought by several factions. IRAN, RUSSIA and HEZBOLLAH support the Syrian government militarily, with RUSSIA conducting air operations since September 2015. On the other hand, the U.S.-led international coalition established in 2014 with a declared purpose of countering ISIL, have conducted airstrikes against ISIL in SYRIA as well as against government and pro-government targets (i.s.).