Putin calls for reconciliation in Syria

Russian President Vladimir Putin says the Syrian army is strong enough to carry out large-scale military operations against Takfiri terrorists even after the partial pullout of Moscow’s air force.

According to the reports, in his annual televised phone-in on Thursday, Putin highlighted the recent victories of Syrian forces on the battlefield against the terror groups and said they managed to liberate the ancient city of Palmyra from the Daesh terrorists after Moscow withdraw some of its warplanes from the Arab state.

“The Syrian army, which is also fighting for Aleppo, does not need Russian help, Putin, adding that the Syrian troops do “not need to improve its position…They do not need to improve anything.”

The Russia leader said, however, that the situation in Aleppo Province was complicated as terrorists with al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front and other militants are positioned close together.

“It is hard to tell them apart. They are behaving differently and are trying to improve their position, trying to regain what is lost,” the Russian president said.

Syrian forces have agreed to halt military operations against terrorist groups, except Daesh and al-Nusra Front, under a ceasefire agreement with the Saudi-based opposition that came into effect in late February.

SS