Al-Mayadin: Russia sent heavy military equipment to northeastern Syria.
Al-Mayadin sources said that Russia had sent heavy military equipment to its base in al-Qamishli following Turkey’s decision to conduct military operations in northeastern Syria.
Al-Mayadin sources said Russia sent military aid, including fighter jets and helicopters, as part of its plan to strengthen its military presence in northeastern Syria.
Al-Mayadin sources said that Russian forces present at al-Qamishli airport in northern Syria are bringing new military equipment to their base at the airport.
The sources added: “Among the auxiliary equipment, Russian warplanes and helicopters have been deployed at Qamishli Airport, and this is part of Russia’s plan to strengthen its military presence in northeastern Syria.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed on Thursday that Moscow would continue to support the Syrian leadership in fully restoring its territorial integrity.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a few days ago that the Turkish army is planning a military operation to fight terrorism on Turkey’s borders and that a decision on this operation will be made soon.
He called on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to assist the country in establishing what it calls a “safe zone” along its border with Syria in order to resettle refugees.
Erdogan says Ankara will continue its efforts to establish a 30-kilometer safe zone along its southern border with Syria.
In response to Turkey’s decision, the Syrian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that it had sent a message to UN Secretary-General and Chairman of the Security Council Antonio Guterres regarding Turkey’s actions in northern Syria.
“The Turkish regime’s move to build a so-called ‘safe zone’ on Syrian soil is an act of aggression and colonial activity by which the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to create explosive zones inside Syria,” the foreign ministry said.
