MOSCOW, December 18. /TASS/. Unlike the United States, Russia will remain steadfast in combating international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, said Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova in response to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s remarks about the resurgence of the terrorist group Islamic State (IS, banned in Russia) in Syria.
"Washington's ongoing efforts to maintain its occupation of Syria also play a destructive role. It is clear who and what they target - agricultural regions in northeastern Syria rich in oil and gas resources," the diplomat said during a briefing.
"Russia, unlike the United States, is determined to firmly counter international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We will leverage the potential of international platforms to achieve this."
"I think Sullivan is recycling outdated narratives, conveniently omitting who supported terrorist groups and sponsored acts of terrorism in the region. Foremost among these are the United States and Great Britain," Zakharova said.
"The Russian side regularly reminds the global community about the dangers of an IS resurgence. Events in the Middle East highlight the destructive impact of Washington’s policies and those of its allies, who have been illegally present in Syria since 2014 under the guise of fighting terrorism, while undermining Syria's sovereignty, including through the illegal presence of US troops in the Trans-Euphrates region and Al-Tanf."
She noted that the international terrorist threat is further compounded by "the Kiev regime’s long-standing cooperation with Islamist radicals across various parts of the world." "This cooperation once focused on Africa and has now extended to the Middle East and North Africa, all carried out beyond any legal frameworks or norms," Zakharova added.
"The connection between the Kiev junta and international terrorist organizations has been confirmed by evidence collected during investigations into terrorist attacks, such as the one at Crocus City Hall in March. The collaboration between [Vladimir] Zelensky's regime and terrorist groups has also been publicly acknowledged by African leaders. For this reason, Washington’s representatives, if they want to address this topic, should reveal the full truth about their own role and that of their allies in perpetuating the global terrorist threat."