"The actions of the Russian group allowed Syrian troops to reverse the situation completely. As of today, terrorist formations have been totally decimated in Hama and Homs… Government troops have also strengthened their footing in the Damascus province and on the capital's outskirts," the chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate Col. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi said.
Since the start of Moscow's operation, Damascus had regained control of 695 inhabited localities and over 14,000 square kilometers of land. Thanks to this, more than 108,000 refugees returned to their homes, Rudskoi elaborated.
"The turning point in the fight against terrorism in Syria has prompted a number of political players to take a fresh look at the current alignment of forces in the region, which has enabled the launch of the process of political settlement and reconciliation of the warring sides," Rudskoi said.
Since 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a civil war, with government forces fighting against numerous opposition and terrorist groups, including al-Nusra Front and Daesh, banned in a range of countries, including Russia.
