US Secretary of State Pompeo shares Russia's concerns about terrorism in Idlib

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Photo: EPA

Agreeing with Russia's view that terrorists exist in Idlib, Secretary of State Pompeo said: "We share Russia's concerns about the terrorist threat coming from the North and Northwest of Syria. In fact, terrorists are building strongholds here and we need to ensure that terrorism is not exported around the world." At the same time, Mr. Pompeo expressed his readiness to work with Russia to solve this problem in Syria.

Secretary Pompeo said he had seen reports of recent airstrikes by Russian and Syrian forces in Idlib. He also discussed the issue with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, expressing hope that the conflicts would be resolved diplomatically.

The US diplomat urged against endangering the lives of innocent civilians or creating a serious humanitarian crisis. "We remain concerned that Syria may use chemical weapons in an effort to achieve its military objectives," Secretary Pompeo said.

Mr. Pompeo said that US President Donald Trump had given reminders and warnings to Russia about its commitments not to let tensions escalate in Syria.

The city of Idlib, Syria, was heavily damaged by war.

Idlib is the only remaining flashpoint in Syria that is still in the hands of armed opposition groups. Since 2017, a de-escalation zone has been established in the north, where volunteers, rejecting family and reconciliation, have moved to serve the rebel forces. According to the UN Secretary-General for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, there are about 10,000 fighters from the terrorist groups al-Nusra Front and al-Qaeda present in Idlib.

The attack on this last "stronghold" will end the large-scale military confrontation in Syria. In a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem declared that Syria will go to the end in liberating Idlib, regardless of the possible attacks by Washington and its allies.