Syrian opposition says Russia is 'a partner of regime'

ISTANBUL

The presence of Russia in Syria does not serve for a political solution, the Syrian National Coalition said in a statement on Monday.

"Russia was never a mediator, on the contrary it became a partner with the regime [of Bashar al-Assad]. Its military presence will lead the situation in Syria to become much more complicated and raise distress, death and destruction," the opposition statement read.

Meanwhile, nine people, including women and children, were killed late Monday when regime forces attacked in Deir ez-Zor province of Syria, according to hospital sources.

According to the UN, more than 220,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in early 2011 between pro-regime forces – which also include Lebanon’s Hezbollah – and armed opposition groups.