The illegal military presence in Syria reduces the effectiveness of the fight against terrorists and contributes to militants' attempts to expand their influence in the country, Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, said this on Thursday at a briefing to military attachés of foreign countries.
"Illegitimate armed groups have not abandoned plans to expand their territories of influence. And this is facilitated by the illegitimate military presence of the United States and several other countries on the territory of Syria, which reduces the effectiveness of the fight against terrorist groups," Gerasimov said.
According to him, the Russian Aerospace Forces together with Syrian government forces continue raids to eliminate terrorists, while at the same time assistance is provided for the return of refugees, the restoration of infrastructure and the territorial integrity of the country.
"In the Idlib de-escalation zone, we are working with the Turkish side to implement existing agreements and maintain the cessation of hostilities," the chief of the General Staff said.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS