Alwaght- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Syrian forces, backed by Russian air force, were able to free a total of 400 towns and eliminate thousands of terrorists.
Addressing foreign diplomats at the Kremlin on Wednesday, Putin said "Thanks to the successful actions of the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian army…it was possible to free a number of towns, including Palmyra. In total, Syrian forces, backed by Russian aviation, were able to free a total of 400 towns and eliminate thousands of terrorists, including from Russia and other CIS countries."
Putin noted that Moscow's support for Damascus helped prevent the collapse of Syria and avoid massive civilian losses, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.
"Recently, it has been possible to take a number of important steps toward ensuring a peaceful settlement in Syria and countering international terrorists that have settled there. The support provided by Russia to Syria's legitimate government helped prevent the collapse of the state system and the state itself, save public institutions, and avoid massive civilian casualties," Putin said.
Syria has been mired in a devastating civil war between the government, opposition factions and terrorist groups since 2011.
On September 30, Russia started a military operation against terrorists in Syria at President Bashar Assad's request.
Last month, Putin ordered a partial withdrawal of Moscow’s forces from the Arab state after peace talks resumed between the government and the opposition resumed in Geneva.
Following the drawdown, the Syrian forces retook the ancient city of Palmyra in Homs Province from ISIS in late March, in a significant blow to the extremist terror group.
Army units are now engaged in a large-scale offensive against ISIS terrorists and al-Nusra Front terrorists in Aleppo. Syrian air forces carried out a series of intensive airstrikes against positions of the two terror groups in the embattled province.
Last Thursday Putin said 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.
