Kremlin confirms targets, parameters of Russian operation against terrorists in Syria

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. The Kremlin has once again confirmed that the Russian operation in Syria will be confined to air support for the Syrian government army in the struggle against terrorist and other radical groups. "The purpose of the operation, as the chief of the presidential staff Sergey Ivanov earlier said, is support for offensive operations by the Syrian Armed Forces in the struggle against terrorist and radical organizations and forces in Syrian territory," Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, when asked what targets Russian aircraft would be attacking. "Accordingly, the targets of Russian planes are terrorist and extremist groups," Peskov said. Asked if at some future date Russian ground troops might be used in Syria, Peskov replied: "The president had answered this question. I have nothing to add." Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia had no intention to steep in the conflict in Syria. He declared that "we will be supporting the Syrian army exclusively in its legitimate struggle against terrorist groups" and "the support will be provided from the air without involvement in ground operations." "This support will last as long as the Syrian army will be pushing ahead with offensive operations," Putin said. Read more