MOSCOW. Aug 6 (Interfax) - Tensions persist in southern parts of the Idlib de-escalation area, Turkey has been unsuccessfully trying to build a "safe passage" along the M4 highway, and militants keep attacking positions of the Syrian forces and have launched attacks on the Hmeimim airbase, the Russian military said in a statement.
"The Turkish command has taken certain measures to wipe the militants off the area along the M4 highway. However, the Turkish attempts to build 'a safe passage' have been vain. Therefore, the next joint Russian-Turkish patrolling mission keeps being postponed," head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria Rear Adm. Alexander Shcherbitsky said at a press briefing on Thursday.
"Besides, terrorists are attacking positions of the Syrian government forces and are launching attacks on the Russian airbase in Hmeimim using unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range rocket launchers," Shcherbitsky said.
The commands of the Russian contingent in Syria and the Syrian Armed Forces have to take measures towards neutralizing the terrorist threat, Shcherbitsky said. "We are counting on more energetic efforts of the Turkish side towards eliminating the terrorists, ensuring the safety of joint patrols, and fulfilling the provisions of the Russian-Turkish memorandum of March 6, 2020," he said.
"Consistent with the agreements, we reserve the right to retaliate against actions of terrorist fighters that might endanger the lives of Russian and Syrian servicemen and the civilian population in territories adjoining the de-escalation area," he said.