Chief of the General staff of the Russian Armed forces army General Valery Gerasimov
© Mikhail Metzel/TASS
MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. The destruction of the militants of the terrorist organization “dzhebhat an-Nusra” (banned in Russia) in Syria will be completed in 2018. This was announced on Wednesday, chief of General staff of armed forces Valery Gerasimov.
“In the military sphere – completing the destruction of militants “Dzhebhat an-Nusra” and others of that ilk. Part of the militants of this terrorist organization is in the areas of de-escalation”, – he told in interview to the newspaper “Komsomolskaya Pravda”, answering the question about further development of events in Syria in the new year.
Gerasimov said that the areas de-escalate a lot of different formations and some support the cessation of hostilities. “Dzhebhat an-Nusra” – opposed. So they have to be destroyed”, – he explained.
The chief of staff also said that the largest group “Dzhebhat an-Nusra” are in the province of Idlib. “I think that after a certain time they will be finished,” said the General.
According to him, another challenge which will require attention in 2018, political settlement. “Now comes the preparation for the Congress of the Syrian national dialogue,” Gerasimov recalled.
The chief of staff also said that Russia left two military bases in Syria – the base Hamim in the province of Latakia naval base in Tartus, in particular due to their interests in the middle East.
Russia’s interests in the middle East
According to the General, one of the reasons for maintaining these databases – support of Syrian troops. “For two years the officers, Junior command staff of the Syrian army got a lot of practice. Now they are able to fight and defend their territory. Our forces, our bases, we can provide assistance. These forces are quite enough to maintain the stability and territorial integrity of Syria”, – he said.
“Until stability is necessary for some time, so base there are reasonable, they’re necessary. Not to repeat what had been until September 2015,” – said Gerasimov.