MOSCOW. May 27 (Interfax) - Tensions are escalating in a number of Syrian districts as the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (banned in Russia) has taken advantage of the truce to partially restore its strength, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
"Tensions are escalating in a number of Syrian districts, primarily because of the wish of Jabhat al-Nusra leaders to disrupt the reconciliation process," Russian General Staff Main Operations Department Head Sergei Rudskoi said on Friday.
"Having taken advantage of the regime of the cessation of hostilities and the fact that units of that terrorist organization are stationed in the same districts with 'moderate opposition' units against which the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Syrian Air Force do not strike, Jabhat al-Nusra has partially restored its combat preparedness, has replenished its stock of weapons and ammunition, and has begun active operations," Rudskoi said.