Kremlin Discusses ‘Escalating Situation’ in Syria with Tehran
The leaders of Russia and Iran have voiced their “unconditional support” for Damascus in its battle against terrorists. Read Full Article at RT.com
Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions regarding the situation in Syria with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, as detailed in a statement from the Kremlin. The dialogue primarily centered on the “escalating situation” within the nation.
According to both leaders, the recent large-scale assault by Islamist militants aimed to destabilize the sovereignty, political landscape, and socio-economic conditions of Syria.
They expressed “unconditional support” for the measures taken by Damascus “to restore constitutional order and territorial integrity of the country.” Putin and Pezeshkian emphasized the necessity of coordinating efforts under the ‘Astana format,’ which involves Türkiye.
Last week, Islamist militants, including the Hayat Tahrir-al-Sham terrorist group, launched a significant attack on government forces in northwest Syria. The militants claimed to have taken control of substantial areas in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, with some units reaching deep into the center of Aleppo city.
Previously known as Jabhat al-Nusra, HTS is recognized as a terrorist organization by Syria, Russia, Iran, the US, and several other nations.
Reports indicated that Damascus managed to repel the insurgents near Hama in central Syria after reinforcements were sent. Syrian President Bashar Assad has vowed to “eliminate terrorists” and punish their “sponsors and supporters.”
The Syrian military has acknowledged that numerous troops were killed during the counteroffensive while estimating that around 1,000 terrorists were neutralized. Government forces received support from extensive Russian airstrikes, which reportedly targeted hundreds of militants, as well as their command centers and weapon depots.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that Russian warplanes stationed in Syria had conducted operations against militant forces in recent days. He reiterated Russia’s backing for the Syrian government, noting that Moscow and Damascus were in communication and assessing the evolving situation.
Russia intervened in the Syrian conflict in 2015, significantly weakening various terrorist groups, particularly al-Nusra and the Islamic State. The country maintains a substantial military presence in Syria, with bases located in Hmeimim and Tartus.
Last week's Islamist offensive marked the first significant confrontation between Syrian rebels and government forces since March 2020, when a ceasefire was established by Russia and Türkiye.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News