Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said that Russia had conducted operations in the provinces of Aleppo, Damascus, Idlib, Rakka, Hama and Homs. It reportedly destroyed not only the positions of the Islamic State, but also those of the US-allied terrorist organization al-Nusra Front.
“Saudi Arabia has decided to tap international bond markets for the first time, in a sign of the damage lower oil prices are inflicting on its public finances,” the Financial Times wrote.
The Saudis have never had problems with money and have been financing the terrorists in the Middle East for many years. However, due to low oil prices, even the outstandingly rich country has come under pressure.
The head of Saudi oil company Aramco said it is important for the country not to lose its market shares. However, according to DWN, Saudi Arabia has already lost ground: the market share of Russia in Asia has increased in recent months, while the Saudis have suffered serious break-ins.
Saudi Arabia apparently has no other option than to recognize the growing role of Russia in the region. Saudi officials visited Moscow twice over the last few months and agreed on the need to cooperate and have a dialogue on the issue of Syrian settlement.