Shoigu Conveys Putin’s Greetings on Lifting Deir Ez-Zor Siege to Assad

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during his meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus conveyed congratulations from Russian President Vladimir Putin on lifting the blockade around Syria’s eastern city of Deir ez-Zor, Assad’s press service said Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Shoigu made a working visit to Damascus to discuss the Syrian conflict and issues of bilateral military cooperation with Assad.

"Shoigu conveyed congratulations from Vladimir Putin to Assad. The parties also discussed plans to continue fighting against Daesh terrorists, and cooperation between the Syrian army and Russia’s Aerospace Forces with the aim to completely liberating of Deir ez-Zor," the statement reads.

In addition, the sides stressed their commitment to continue and strengthen efforts in the fight against terrorism in all parts of Syria, according to the statement.

Syrian government forces supported by Russian Aerospace Forces have been enjoying great success, having liberated numerous settlements from terrorists over recent months. On Friday, Syrian forces broke Daesh blockade of Deir ez-Zor, the biggest city in the east of Syria near the Euphrates river, and a military airport located 1.2 miles away from the city, which have been under the terrorists' siege for over three years.