Russian commander meets SDF leaders in Syria’s Qamishli amid Tehran summit
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Coinciding with the tripartite summit in the Iranian capital Tehran, a Russian military delegation, led by the commander of the Russian forces in Syria Alexander Chaiko, visited Tuesday the city of Qamishli, northeastern Syria, and met with leaders of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
A source familiar with the visit said that the Russian commander stressed their rejection of any Turkish military operation inside Syria, and said that Moscow’s stance is clear in this regard.
A warplane with Chaiko on board, accompanied by a helicopter, landed on Tuesday morning at the Qamishli International Airport, coming from the Russian Khmeimim Air Base, western Syria.
The visit of Russia’s top commander in Syria came in tandem with the tripartite summit in Tehran, attended by Russia, Turkey and Iran.
Earlier on Tuesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned against any Turkish military operation in Syria and called for dialogue.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added that the commander of the Russian forces encouraged understanding between the SDF and the Syrian government.
Arab satellite news channel al-Mayadeen reported that the Russian delegation came “to complete a Russian mediation aimed at achieving understanding between the SDF and the Syrian army.”
Another source said that the Russian commander also met with leaders of the Syrian army in Qamishli.