Russia Concerned about the United States’ Activities in Syria
MOSCOW- Russia is concerned about the United States’ activities in Syria, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
She said at a briefing on Thursday that the so-called US-led coalition has been conducting intensive airstrikes on the outskirts of Syria’s Hajin town in Deir Ezzor causing numerous civilian deaths, pointing out that the coalition has repeatedly used white phosphorus shells in its attacks, yet it is still denying this fact.
“By maintaining its illegal military presence in Syria and failing to specify its purpose and provide a timeframe, Washington makes it clear that it is not interested in an early resolution of the crisis in the country,” the Russian diplomat said
Militant Training Underway at US Base in Syria’s Al-Tanf
Zakharova said also said that according to numerous witness accounts, terrorists are receiving training at the US military base near the Syrian city of Al-Tanf.
“In fact, under the excuse of fighting against the ISIL [the former name of the Islamic State terror group outlawed in Russia – TASS] and – as we were told – in order to contain Iran, a big US military base was set up there – in a strategically important area adjacent to the borders of Syria, Iraq and Jordan, which is close to the highway connecting Baghdad and Damascus. And there, according to numerous witness accounts, militant training is underway,” the Russian diplomat said, according to Itar Tass.
Difficulties persist in setting up demilitarized zone in Syria’s Idlib
The ministry Spokeswoman made it clear that difficulties persist in setting up a demilitarized zone in the Syrian province of Idlib.
“The situation in the country’s northwest, particularly in Idlib, still causes the most concern,” she said. Despite all efforts to implement the Russian-Turkish memorandum signed on September 17, difficulties persist in setting up a demilitarized zone in Idlib, Zakharova added.
According to the Russian-Turkish memorandum, signed in Sochi on September 17 following talks between the two countries’ presidents, a 15 to 20 kilometer-wide demilitarized zone was to be set up in the Syrian province of Idlib by October 15. However, Ankara asked to be given more time and postpone the launch of joint patrols, saying that it was impossible to guarantee security, Tass said.
H.M