Russia reaffirms support for Assad, vows continued efforts to stabilize Syria

Russia continues to offer its support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, maintaining regular communication with Damascus and closely monitoring the evolving situation in the country, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Speaking to reporters, Peskov emphasized, "Of course, we continue to support Bashar al-Assad, and accordingly, we continue our contacts and analyze the situation," Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

He added that Russia would soon determine the necessary measures to help stabilize the situation in Syria.

On December 1, the Syrian army conducted a series of counterattacks in the cities of Aleppo and Idlib to push back insurgents who have made surprise advances. Syrian state television claimed government forces had killed nearly 1,000 insurgents over the past three days, without providing evidence or details.

The Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, a group that operates in opposition held areas say Assad’s army launched joint counter-operations with Russian forces in the two cities. Fighter jets reportedly pounded the area, killing at least 18 people and wounding dozens more. Russia, who has long-backed Syria’s Assad in the 13-year war, have not publicly commented on their involvement. 

On November 27, a coalition of rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) conducted a surprise assault on Syria’s largest city, Aleppo. The attack forced the Syrian armed forces to temporarily retreat, as they awaited reinforcements to strike back. 

On November 30, the insurgents took over most of Aleppo in a surprise offensive and have now claimed to have entered the city of Hama. There was no independent confirmation of their claim.

Rebel commander Col. Hassan Abdulghani said separately the insurgents also took control of Sheikh Najjar, northeast of the city, Aleppo’s military academy and the field artillery college to the southwest.

By Vafa Guliyeva