Lavrov: Extremist groups engaged in ethnic cleansing in Syria
The Russian Foreign Minister accused extremist groups of carrying out ethnic cleansing and mass killings in Syria, reflecting growing Russian concern about the deteriorating situation on the ground. His comments followed reports of an attack targeting a Russian base in an area that has been experiencing violent unrest since March, targeting the Alawite sect.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today that Moscow is deeply concerned about what he described as ethnic cleansing by "extremist groups" in Syria.
This comment came as Syrian sources and Russian social media channels reported that an attack appeared to have targeted one of Russia's two military bases in Syria.
According to the text of his remarks published on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website, Lavrov said, "Extremist groups in Syria are carrying out a real ethnic cleansing, mass killings of people based on their nationality and religion."
Russia maintains two military bases in Syria. Moscow was a major supporter of the government of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, who is now in Russia where he has been granted asylum.
An outbreak of violence in March on Syria's northwestern coast, a former Assad stronghold, killed hundreds of members of the former president's Alawite sect.
The pro-Moscow Telegram channel Military Informer, which focuses on military affairs, posted what it described as footage of a gunfight between Russian forces and Syrian militants at the base.
Syrian sources said the motive for the attack on the air base was not yet clear. The base has been housing Alawite refugees since the March attacks. One of them, a Syrian security official based in the coastal city of Latakia, said an investigation was underway.
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ANHA
