MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 24th December, 2018) Militants have mortared settlements in the Syrian provinces of Aleppo, Latakia and Hama, as well as the city of Aleppo over the past 24 hours, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Syrian reconciliation, Lt. Gen. Sergei Solomatin, said on Sunday.
"Over the past day, terrorists have attacked Akch-Bayer, Sandran and Bsharfa in Latakia province, Zor al-Mahruqah and Tall-Maraq in Hama province as well as districts of Zakhabiyah (two times), Soukkari, al-Mshaifra and southwestern outskirts of Aleppo. In the deconfliction zone close to Tall-Rifaat, there was one shelling attack against Tap-Kude in Aleppo province," Solomatin said at a briefing.
Over the past 24 hours, the Russian Center for Syrian reconciliation has held a humanitarian operation in the settlement of Marrat, Deir ez-Zor province, with local residents receiving 500 food packages. A total of 15 food packages have also been delivered to the families of the fallen Syrian soldiers in the city of Aleppo, according to Solomatin.
"Refugees are making their way back home. Ten checkpoints including one at the Damascus International Airport and the Baniyas maritime one are operating with support of the Russian Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides. As for December 22, 2018, in total 209,257 were granted amnesty," Solomatin added.
Syria has been engulfed in an armed conflict since 2011, with the government forces fighting numerous terrorist organizations and armed opposition groups. Russia, along with Turkey and Iran, is a guarantor of the ceasefire in Syria. Moscow has also been providing humanitarian aid to residents of the crisis-torn country.
