Russian Aerospace Forces, Syrian govt forces liberate over 12,000 sq km of Syrian territory - Russian Defense Minister Shoigu
MINSK. Nov 2 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian armed forces are efficiently performing their antiterrorist duties in Syria, Russian Defense Minister Gen. of the Army Sergei Shoigu said.
"More than 12,000 square kilometers of Syrian territory has been liberated from terrorists as a result of the Russian Aerospace Forces' and the Syrian government forces' joint actions. The residents of nearly 900 populated areas have joined the peace process," Shoigu said at a joint board meeting of the Russian and Belarusian Defense Ministries on Wednesday.
"Active steps are being taken to resolve issues surrounding the provision of humanitarian aid to the people, support security, and restore normal life," he said.
"The most difficult situation is taking place in Aleppo, part of which has been occupied by militants. As the city dwellers extremely need support, it's been decided to start a humanitarian operation," Shoigu said.
Russia has invited various international organizations, its allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), and other states to join this operation, he said.
"Belarus was among the first to respond to Russia's proposal and provided humanitarian aid to the Syrian people," Shoigu said. "This is an illustrative example of our allied relations," he said.