Syria Thwarts Drone Attack over Russian Base
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Syria’s air defense systems intercepted and destroyed three hostile targets over a Russian air base in the country’s coastal region.
There were no more details about the suspected attack or who was behind it, but it comes amid rising violations of a ceasefire in Syria’s west negotiated by Turkey and Russia and in place since September.
Russia Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov Sunday said on state television that the agreement with Turkey was not fully implemented, leaving the situation there as a matter of concern “first of all, by the Syrian authorities and also Moscow.”
He did not address the suspected drone attack.
The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said explosions heard in the region were from air defense systems intercepting suspected attacking drones. The Britain-based observatory said such drones had previously targeted the Russian air base in Latakia province - the last such attack coming in November, despite the ceasefire deal.
The de-escalation deal in Idlib province averted a Syrian government offensive on the armed rebels enclave. The agreement created a security zone free of heavy weapons and monitored by Turkish troops to halt fighting.
But infighting between the militant groups in Idlib escalated into a major showdown.
