Russian Defense Minister said on Tuesday that ISIL Takfiri group now controls only 5% of Syrian territory since the start of the Russian operation in the war-hit country.

“Today, Daesh controls less than 5%. Before the start of the operation of the Russian Air and Space Forces, more than 70% of the territory of Syria was under Daesh control,” Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said at a meeting of defense ministers of ASEAN member countries and dialogue partners, referring to ISIL Takfiri group.

He underlined that Moscow is focused on restoration of a peaceful life in the country.

“998 cities and settlements have been liberated, the liberated area is 503 thousand 223 square kilometers. Most of the militants were eliminated. The process of restoring a peaceful life in the country has begun. Since the beginning of the operation of the Russian Air Force, since 2015, 1.12 million people have returned to their homes. Only in 2017 — 660 thousand,” Shoigu said.

According to him, as a result of the work of the Russian Center for the reconciliation of warring parties, 2,500 settlements across the country have joined the reconciliation process.

The minister mentioned the crucial role of oil sales reduction in the success of the military operation.

“Before 2015 Daesh earned around $3 billion a year from oil sales in Syria, up to $10 million a day in separate periods. Today Daesh financial support from the Syrian territory has almost ceased,” Shoigu said.

Source: Sputnik