Russia ground troops not invloved in Palmyra operation: Kremlin

The Kremlin says Russian ground forces did not participate in the Syrian government’s operations to push back the Takfiri terrorists from the ancient city of Palmyra.

According to the reports, Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, made the remarks in a teleconference with reporters on Monday, saying that Russian Air Force, however, has been assisting the Syrian army and will continue its operations against Takfiri terrorists in the Arab country.

“Our armed forces are not conducting any land operations there," Peskov said, adding, "After the withdrawal of part of our [military] contingent from Syria, air force units remaining at two bases - in Hmeymim and Tartus - will continue fighting terrorist groups ... and will continue supporting the Syrian army's offensive."

Russia launched an aerial campaign against the ISIL Takfiri terrorists and other militant groups in Syria on September 30, 2015, upon a request from the Damascus government. The air raids have expedited the advances of Syrian forces against militants.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian forces had been ordered to leave Syria. It came in the wake of a Russia-US brokered cessation of hostilities that has been in place since February 27 and a new round of UN-brokered peace talks in Geneva between the Syrian government and the opposition.

SS