Reports indicate over 1,300 civilians have died amidst renewed conflict in the war-ravaged country.
Hundreds of civilians have sought refuge at Russia’s Khmeimim airbase in western Syria, fleeing violent clashes that have erupted in the past week, according to videos obtained by RT.
The footage reportedly shows displaced individuals, including women and children, sheltering in buildings and open areas.
News reports claim that over 1,300 people have been killed in Syria over a three-day period ending Sunday, with at least 973 of those being civilians. The coastal region, primarily inhabited by the Alawite sect, has experienced violence since Wednesday following an armed rebellion. These clashes reportedly involve groups described in Western media as loyal to former President Bashar Assad and militias aligned with the current Syrian government.
Earlier on Monday, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper cited defense ministry spokesperson Hassan Abdul Ghany in reporting that the country’s Defense Ministry announced the completion of a “military operation.”
As the fighting intensified, civilians were permitted to enter the Khmeimim base. RT sources state that the Russian military has established tents, a field kitchen, and a medical facility.
Syria’s current leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, accused pro-Assad factions supported by foreign allies of instigating the violence. In an interview with Reuters published on Monday, he pledged to punish those responsible, even among his own allies if necessary. Al-Sharaa stated, “We fought to defend the oppressed, and we won’t accept that any blood be shed unjustly, or goes without punishment or accountability, even among those closest to us.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed Moscow’s concern regarding the increased violence in Syria but refrained from commenting on reports of civilians seeking shelter at the Russian military base.
Despite granting asylum to Assad after his government’s overthrow in December, Russia has continued diplomatic relations with Syria’s new government. Khmeimim Air Base and a logistical support center in Tartus remain operational. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his support for Syria’s territorial integrity and has provided military and economic assistance as the country undergoes its transitional period.
In the same Reuters interview on Monday, al-Sharaa commented on relations with Russia, stating that the new authorities “do not want a rift with Russia,” but also do not want “its presence in Syria to pose a threat to any country.”
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