Russian Federation launches humanitarian operation in Syria

More than 200 populated localities have been liberated from ISIS during the Russian Aerospace Forces’ operation in Syria, head of the General Staff’s main operative department Sergei Rudskoi said on January 15.

The general stated that the launching of these operations was due to “extremists” grabbing aid sent to rebel-controlled areas.

“The inhabitants are gradually coming back to Syrian cities and peaceful life is returning”.

Russia’s air force can stay in Syria on an “indefinite” basis and will only have to leave if asked by the Syrian government, according to an official agreement published on the Russian government’s website on Thursday night.

The Syrian air force used Russian military equipment to airdrop 22 tonnes of aid in the city, said the Russian official, adding, “Our work in this direction will continue”.

In August, Russia and Syria signed an agreement giving Moscow the right to retain an open-ended military presence in the war-torn country, Moscow revealed on Thursday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin cited the campaign’s necessity as to stop the advancement and development of IS fighters before they reach Russia’s borders.

Russian and Syrian jets have flown their first mission together over Syria, according to Russia’s defence ministry.

Ahead of scheduled peace talks between Syria’s regime and rebel forces, Russian Federation has expanded its efforts to portray itself as a neutral actor by claiming to support tailored elements of the Syrian armed opposition.

“Russia can halt its operation at any time so it does not have any responsibilities before Syria”, he told AFP.

“The Russian side stressed the need for unfailingly honoring the provisions of the Vienna documents and UN Security Council Resolution 2254 on establishing an inclusive delegation of Syrian opposition that would include all influential forces committed to resolving the crisis through political means”, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a press release.