Russian Campaign in Syria Worries Covert Backers of Terror

Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad said that the "flame" of terrorism would spread further, including into Russia, were it not for Russian airstrikes in Syria.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia’s air campaign in Syria against the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh in Arabic) underscores the foresight of its strategy and worries covert backers of terrorism, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad said Thursday.

The Russian Aerospace Forces have conducted over 4,200 combat sorties in nearly three months since the start of the mission requested by Syrian President Bashar Assad. Over 1,000 terrorist objects have been engaged in the past week alone, according to the Defense Ministry.

"The Russian Federation has proved its foresight in the ability to adopt a correct and long-term strategy, undermining the foundations of systemic terrorism that knows no borders," Haddad said.

The diplomat said the "flame" of terrorism would spread further, including into Russia, were it not for Russian airstrikes in the Arab republic.

"Russia is the only country that can play the role of an alternative [power]. This worries countries that are supposedly fighting terrorism but secretly support it. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are at the forefront of those countries," Haddad underscored.

Western media and organizations continue to make unfounded claims of Russian airstrikes inflicting civilian casualties in Syria, allegations squarely disputed by Moscow.