Moscow Claims It Has Established Contact with Syrian Jihadists
Moscow’s diplomats in Damascus have engaged in discussions with representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the faction that has asserted control in Syria. Read Full Article at RT.com
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Russia is reportedly interested in maintaining the bases it has leased in the region.
Recent meetings between Russian diplomats in Damascus and representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—the jihadist group that recently took control in Syria—have been confirmed by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
HTS, formerly recognized as the Al-Nusra Front, initiated a surprise offensive from Idlib at the end of November, leading to the capture of Damascus after minimal resistance from the Syrian army. Following this development, President Bashar Assad has sought asylum in Moscow.
“Contact has been established with the [HTS] political committee, which is currently working in one of the hotels in Damascus,” Bogdanov informed reporters in Moscow on Thursday.
“Representatives of our embassy met with them and discussed issues, first of all ensuring the security of our diplomatic mission and Russian citizens who are on the territory of Syria,” he continued. He characterized the discussions as “proceeding in a constructive manner,” expressing hope that HTS will fulfill its commitments, as they “bear responsibility for the situation in the city.”
Most importantly, Bogdanov emphasized the need for the militants to “prevent any excesses and ensure the safety of diplomatic representatives of foreign states, including the Russian embassy.”
In 2015, Russia deployed an expeditionary force to Syria to assist Assad in combating Islamic State militants, Al-Nusra, and other groups. Bogdanov noted that Moscow’s counter-terrorism efforts are ongoing.
“The bases remain on Syrian territory, where they were,” the diplomat stated, referring to the naval facility in Tartus and Khmeimim Air Base near Latakia. The previous Syrian government had leased these locations to Russia until 2066, but it remains uncertain whether the new regime will uphold this agreement.
Meanwhile, a series of Israeli airstrikes has severely damaged much of Syria’s military capabilities in recent days as West Jerusalem capitalized on the situation to target airports, naval bases, air defense sites, and industrial zones.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
Recent meetings between Russian diplomats in Damascus and representatives of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—the jihadist group that recently took control in Syria—have been confirmed by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
HTS, formerly recognized as the Al-Nusra Front, initiated a surprise offensive from Idlib at the end of November, leading to the capture of Damascus after minimal resistance from the Syrian army. Following this development, President Bashar Assad has sought asylum in Moscow.
“Contact has been established with the [HTS] political committee, which is currently working in one of the hotels in Damascus,” Bogdanov informed reporters in Moscow on Thursday.
“Representatives of our embassy met with them and discussed issues, first of all ensuring the security of our diplomatic mission and Russian citizens who are on the territory of Syria,” he continued. He characterized the discussions as “proceeding in a constructive manner,” expressing hope that HTS will fulfill its commitments, as they “bear responsibility for the situation in the city.”
Most importantly, Bogdanov emphasized the need for the militants to “prevent any excesses and ensure the safety of diplomatic representatives of foreign states, including the Russian embassy.”
In 2015, Russia deployed an expeditionary force to Syria to assist Assad in combating Islamic State militants, Al-Nusra, and other groups. Bogdanov noted that Moscow’s counter-terrorism efforts are ongoing.
“The bases remain on Syrian territory, where they were,” the diplomat stated, referring to the naval facility in Tartus and Khmeimim Air Base near Latakia. The previous Syrian government had leased these locations to Russia until 2066, but it remains uncertain whether the new regime will uphold this agreement.
Meanwhile, a series of Israeli airstrikes has severely damaged much of Syria’s military capabilities in recent days as West Jerusalem capitalized on the situation to target airports, naval bases, air defense sites, and industrial zones.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
