Kremlin says it opposes operation: Russia reinforces Turkish border
The Russian army is setting up a defense system at the airport in Qamishli, which is occupied by the YPG/PKK in northern Syria, while conducting aerial reconnaissance around Tal Rifaat.
According to sources in the Qamishli district in Syrian territory, 18 kilometers from the Turkish border with Tel Rifaat, and opposite the Nusaybin district of Mardin, Russian military elements are trying to consolidate their control over the region.
THEY MAKE DISCOVERY FLIGHTS
Since the beginning of the week, Russian military helicopters have been conducting reconnaissance flights over the YPG/PKK-occupied Tal Rifaat at intervals of several days.
Russian forces are also trying to prevent Iranian-backed terrorist groups from increasing their influence in the Tal Rifaat area.
Russian officials refused permission for Iranians who wanted to attend a meeting with regime officials and YPG/PKK leaders on May 30.
RUSSIAN SOLDIERS THWARTED
On the same day, Russian soldiers prevented Iranian-backed terrorist groups from entering the Tal Rifaat area with Grad missile launchers from the regime-controlled Nubul Zahra region southwest of it.
On May 31, when Iranian-backed forces tried to enter the area where Minnag Airport is located, Russian forces warned the terrorist organization and the regime not to allow these groups to enter the area.
NO CHANGE IN THE NUMBER OF SOLDIERS
Russian military elements are normally stationed in what is known as the Faisal Mill, 3 kilometers west of the center of Tal Rifaat.
There has been no recent change in the number of Russian troops here.
SITUATION AT QAMISHLI AIRPORT
In the Qamishli district of Hasakah province, most of which is occupied by the YPG/PKK, a small number of Russian military units are stationed at the regime-dominated airport.
The Russian army, which yesterday shipped military cargo aircraft to the area, brought here the short- and medium-range air defense system Pantsir-S1.
On the other hand, the number of soldiers of the Russian army in Ain Issa, Tal Temir, Manbij, Ain al-Arab, Manbij and Qamishli has increased by the dozens.
KREMLIN OPPOSED THE OPERATION
After the news of Turkey’s operation spread, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Ankara “cannot remain a bystander to what is happening in the region.”
Lavrov’s statement was interpreted as a green light from Russia to Turkey, but Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed her opposition to the operation, saying, “We hope that Ankara will not make moves that will dangerously worsen the already difficult conditions in Syria.”
