Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has reported a complete victory over Daesh terrorists in the east and west banks of the Euphrates in Syria, President Putin announced during his visit to Nizhny Novgorod.
"Naturally, some detached resistance hotspots still can exist, but on the whole the combat work at this point and on this territory is finished. I emphasize the complete defeat over Daesh and victory over terrorists," Putin added.
The president also noted that de-escalation zones in Syria must be strengthened and the bloodshed must be stopped before transitioning to a political settlement.
READ MORE: Syrian Gov't Troops Completing Daesh Defeat in Euphrates Valley — Russian MoD
The advances of the Syrian government forces became possible after the breach of the three-year-long Deir ez‑Zor's blockade in September, a victory which secured a firm foothold for further offensives.
Moscow launched its air campaign in the Arab Republic at the request of President Bashar Assad in September 2015 and has been successfully providing aerial support for the Syrian government army ever since.
