Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov said a gang of terrorists has taken advantage of the establishment of a de-escalation zone in Syria’s Idlib province and entrenched their positions in the region, Russia cannot but respond to their aggression.

“A gang of terrorists has taken advantage of the fact that a de-escalation zone had been established in Idlib and entrenched their positions there, they have increased their ranks and begun raids against the civilian population of Syria, attacks on the Russian bases … We cannot but react to such aggression,” Syromolotov told Sputnik in an interview.

The diplomat noted that “it must be taken into account that there are also civilians and armed opposition groups, who were not involved in terrorist activities and could potentially join the settlement process in Syria in the Idlib de-escalation zone.”

The deputy foreign minister also explained the details behind preparations for a possible operation in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone.

“As regards the parameters of counter-terrorist operations in Idlib, such operations are generally planned carefully and secretly with the participation of all parties, neither the military nor diplomats talk about such things publicly,” he said.

Syromolotov noted that at the same time, all humanitarian aspects are being taken into consideration, including efforts to “reduce the damage to civilians and infrastructure.”

The province of Idlib remains the last terrorist stronghold in the country and is also one of Syria’s de-escalation zones. Syrian President Bashar Assad earlier stressed that the liberation of the province was foremost among the Syrian military’s priorities.

Source: Agencies