Russia says Assad army preparing to ‘solve’ Idlib ‘terrorism’ problem

The Kremlin says the Syrian army is getting ready to solve the problem of “terrorism” in the rebel stronghold of Idlib, apparently referring to a looming Assad regime offensive.

“We know that the Syrian armed forces are getting ready to solve this problem,” President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov says, calling Idlib a “pocket of terrorism.”

He does not give a timeframe, however. He also will not comment on reports that Russian warplanes had carried out airstrikes on Idlib earlier today.

Peskov says numerous “terrorists” are holed up in the country’s last rebel stronghold, causing a “general destabilization of the situation.”

“This undermines attempts to push the situation towards a political and diplomatic settlement and most importantly presents a significant threat for our temporary facilities,” he adds. “No doubt one needs to deal with this problem.”

— AFP