Kremlin: Damascus’ rescue from terrorists key outcome of year-long Russian campaign

The fact that there are no terrorists in Damascus can be considered the main positive outcome of the first year of the military campaign by Russia’s Airspace Forces in Syria, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

He stated that the assessment of the success of the ongoing operation in Syria should be made by military experts. "However, we can say this, taking into consideration the fact that IS, Al-Nusra (terrorist groups outlawed in Russia) and Al-Qaeda have not made it into Damascus, is the primary positive outcome from the support that our air force has been providing to the Syrian governmental troops," Kremlin spokesman stressed.

When asked if the Kremlin had expected the operation in Syria to last for more than a year, Peskov pointed out that Russia’s Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin, after making the decision to assist Damascus, had not even once voiced any estimated timetables for the military campaign.

"At the same time, the main goal was announced, that is assistance to the Syrian people and army in their struggle against terrorists who had occupied a bulk of the Syrian Republic by the time our operation had begun," the Russian presidential spokesman noted.
 [tass.com]
30/9/16