Russia: Security situation in US-controlled areas in Syria 'critical'

The Russian Defense Ministry says the activities and arbitrary measures of US occupation troops continue to undermine peace and stability in Syria, and that the security situation in areas controlled by American forces and their allied Takfiri militants is alarming.

 “The activities of US troops, who are illegitimately deployed to Syrian territories, continue to have negative influence on the status quo in the country. Security situation in areas on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, which are controlled by US-backed forces, is critical,” Oleg Zhuravlev, Deputy Chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides, said on Tuesday.

“Over the past three days, ten terror attacks and acts of sabotage have been carried out in the region. Eighteen people have lost their lives and 25 others have been injured as well,” he added.

Zhuravlev noted that two Syrian army soldiers have been shot and wounded by terrorist snipers in the al-Fatatuat and Kuljok areas of the northern Province of Idlib.

Hundreds of extremists have been moved to al-Tanf region, the top Russian defense ministry official said.

“The United States and Britain continue to implement the so-called amnesty program for members of terrorist groups. Hundreds of extremists have, therefore, been set free and joined US-backed militant groups. Some of those Takfiris have been deployed to al-Tanf region,” Zhuravlev said, highlighting that such actions only contribute to the spread of terrorism.

Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service said in a report on Tuesday that the United States remains actively involved in the illegal oil trade from the Occupied Territories in northern Syria, stressing that US companies continue to plunder the war-ravaged country’s natural resources.

ME