Washington, October 6 (RHC)-- A new U.S. intelligence assessment says Russia has been targeting terrorist groups backed by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Syria, deepening U.S. anger at Moscow.

The assessment, shared by commanders on the ground, has led American officials to conclude that Russian warplanes have intentionally struck CIA-backed militants in a string of attacks running for days, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Barack Obama administration officials are debating how the United States can come to the aid of its proxy forces on the ground without risking a broader conflict, according to the Journal. U.S. officials said Russia's moves in Syria posed a direct challenge to President Barack Obama's Syria policy.

Administration officials said they believe Russia's targeting of US-allied forces is aimed at shoring up the Syrian government and sending a message to the White House. Moscow's commitment to the Syrian government runs counter to Washington's policy, which calls for the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.