Russia cautioned the US against striking positions held by Syrian government forces and said Moscow was ready to use its air defense systems to protect them.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said that any missile attack or airstrike on the territories controlled by the Damascus government would pose a clear threat to Russian military personnel.
“Operators of Russian air defense systems won’t have time to identify the origin of airstrikes, and the response will be immediate. Any illusions about invisible jets will inevitably be crushed by disappointing reality,” Konashenkov added.
He further voiced concerns about latest media reports, according to which Washington is considering strikes on the Syrian government troops, adding, “As history has shown, such leaks often prove to be a preface to real action.”
Since March 2011, Syria has been hit by militancy it blames on some Western states and their regional allies. Moscow and Washington support opposing sides in the crisis.
S/SH 11
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