ISIL is an extremist group, notorious for its many human rights atrocities. It has occupied large areas in Syria and Iraq declaring a caliphate on seized territory. The disorganized religious fundamentalist group has made some effort to establish administrative and civil control.
"I would rather say, if there were no Syrian [government] forces, the caliphate would feel comfortable in the Mediterranean, and would have even advanced further," Sergei Naryshkin said at the OSCE PA in the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator.
Alongside combating ISIL in the country, the Syrian army is battling a so-called moderate opposition, as well as other insurgent groups, including the Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate.
According to the delegation head, Russia will continue to supply Syria with weapons to assist in countering terrorism, in accordance with international law.
Naryshkin underscored that Russia does not conceal that it has delivered military aid to Syria to help eliminate terrorism in the country.
Russia has been engaged in international efforts to find a political solution to the ongoing conflict in Syria, as well as providing humanitarian aid to the people of the conflict-torn country.
