Russia slams Israeli strike on Syria

Zeenews Bureau Moscow: Condemning an Israeli strike on Syria, allegedly targeting a military research centre, Russia has expressed concern saying that it was an unacceptable act and violation of UN Charter. Yesterday Israel launched a rare strike inside Syria, which according to Western groups and Lebanese security forces, targeted an arms convoy headed to Lebanon, while a Syrian army statement said it destroyed a military research center northwest of the capital, Damascus. In a statement, the Syrian military denied that any convoy was carrying chemical weapons or missiles to Lebanon and that the Israeli warplanes targeted a scientific research facility outside Damascus. A statement by Russian Foreign Ministry said, "If this information is confirmed, then we are dealing with unprovoked attacks on targets on the territory of a sovereign country, which blatantly violates the UN Charter and is unacceptable, no matter the motives to justify it." Russia, which is a close ally of Syria, has thrice vetoed UNSC resolutions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Though, recent statements by Russia have hinted at Assad’s loosening grip on Syria, Moscow continues to oppose any external action to topple Assad. The latest strike by Israel is set to add to the heat of already raging Syrian Civil War which according to the UN has claimed 60, 000 lives. A US official said to a news agency that the arms convoy was carrying Russian-made SA-17 anti-aircraft missiles and Israeli attack. US officials added that target was a truck convoy that Israel believed was carrying sophisticated anti-aircraft weapons bound for Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Israeli military declined to comment over the However, many in Israel worry that as Syrian President Bashar Assad loses power, he could strike back by transferring chemical or advanced weapons to Hezbollah, which is neighboring Lebanon`s most powerful military force and is committed to Israel`s destruction. The airstrike follows decades of enmity between Israel and allies Syria and Hezbollah, which consider the Jewish state their mortal enemy.

With Agency Inputs