After the bombs … Russia switches focus in Syria to humanitarian mission

Russia says it is switching its efforts in Syria from bombing raids to humanitarian missions. It claims that peaceful life is slowly returning to the war-torn country following its military campaign against Islamic State. Gen Sergei Rudskoi, pictured above, said: “The inhabitants are gradually coming back to Syrian cities and peaceful life is returning. In this context, the implementation of humanitarian operations will be a new line of work for the Russian armed forces in Syria." He added that Russian air force planes have delivered 22 tonnes of aid in the region around the eastern Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor.

In the future we will give to the Syrian people all possible assistance when it comes to liberating the country from extremists and rebuilding peaceful life.

Gen Sergei Rudskoi

Gen Rudskoi said Russia decided to launch its own humanitarian operations because most of the aid has so far gone to rebel-controlled areas, often ending up in the hands of extremists. "Attempts have repeatedly been seen to supply arms and ammunition and evacuate wounded fighters under cover of humanitarian convoys,” he added. Russian air force planes have delivered 22 tonnes of aid in the region around the eastern Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor. "It will be distributed by local authorities,“ he said. "Our work in this direction will continue.”