Lavrov: Russian Aerial Campaign in Syria Unaffected by Turkish Coup Attempt

The situation in Turkey, following a coup attempt in the country particularly at the Incirlik air base will not have an impact on the missions of Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Late on Friday, Turkish authorities said that an attempted coup is taking place in the country. On Saturday, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that Turkish airspace was closed due to the coup attempt in the country.

"In this regard, [Russian aerial operation in Syria] in terms of our agreement with Syrians, there will not be any problems," Lavrov said at a press conference.

Russia has conducted an aerial campaign in Syria since September 2015 after the official request by the country's president, Bashar Assad. On March 14, 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered to withdraw most of the country's military aviation after accomplishing its objective in the fight against terrorism.