Russia should defend its interests in Syria and counteract the provocative policy of the United States, says dni.ru, a Russian media outlet, on its website.
On February 26, the US Air Force launched an airstrike on the facilities of pro-Iranian forces near the town of al-Bu Kemal in Syria. After the attack, John Kirby, the Pentagon Press Secretary, said that it was the response of the US to the recent attack on their base in Iraq. It took place on 15 February in the city of Erbil. As a result, one civilian was killed in the attack, and nine others were wounded. There is no evidence that pro-Iranian forces had been involved in the attack. Apparently, Washington has considered its wild guesses a strong argument for striking on the Syrian-Iranian border.
The US continues to pursue a provocative policy in Syria by deploying additional forces to the north-east of the country. Their military bases are being enhanced. Some of them are used by the pro-American Kurdish armed groups of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Notably, the presence of US troops on Syrian territory remains illegal. There is neither a relevant UN sanction nor permission from the country's government to keep them on its territory. However, Washington continues to ignore calls for the withdrawal of its troops. Its position is only getting stronger in Syria.
The pro-Iranian groupings that were hit are fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS, banned in Russia)* in the region. Therefore, as a result of the US attacks on them, the position of ISIS might be strengthened in the country. However, chances are the newly elected US administration will benefit from the resurgence of ISIS in Syria as it will distract people from domestic issues in the US.
The US actions on the territory of Syria pose a threat not only to the Near East but also to Russia. Moscow has its troops in the country under agreement with the Syrian Arab Republic helping fight ISIS. Due to Russia's assistance, the situation in many Syrian provinces has been stabilized.
Apparently, the administration of the newly elected US President Joe Biden is going to sabotage stability in Syria. Moscow as a member of the UN Security Council and guarantor of peace in Syria should respond to these actions. In order to guarantee respect for international law, Russia must prevent the activity of US troops in the northern regions of Syria where they have taken control of the oil infrastructure together with Kurdish militias.
If there is a threat to Syria's security, Moscow should have every right to strike at locations on the eastern bank of the Euphrates where the Kurdish formations backed by the U.S. government are deployed.
- The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is recognized as a terrorist organization whose activities are officially banned in Russia by the Russian Supreme Court's ruling of 29 December 2014.
- The Caucasus Emirate is an international organization officially banned in Russia.
- The Turkistan Islamic Party (formerly known as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement) is an international organization officially banned in Russia.