MOSCOW. Sept 21 (Interfax) - The Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria has learned about preparations of militants from the Hayat Tahrir ash-Sham terrorist group (banned in Russia) to stage a chemical weapons attack in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation area.
"In the coming days, terrorists are planning to stage attacks in the populated localities of Ariha and Bassams in the Idlib province and to accuse Syrian government forces of using chemical weapons against the civilian population," Center deputy head Rear Adm. Alexander Grinkevich said at a press briefing on Sunday.
"Activists of the White Helmets pseudo human rights organization are taking part in preparations in the areas of planned chemical weapons attacks, including the recording of staged videos," he said.
The Russian Center for Reconciliation urges commanders of illegal armed units not to stage armed provocations but to take the path of peaceful settlement in the areas under their control.