US, UK accused of targeting Russian bases in Syria using IS fighters

Both nations are planning attacks on Russian military bases in Syria. These actions, it says, are meant to prevent stability in the region.

The SVR revealed this information in a statement on Saturday. It claimed Washington and London want to "keep chaos" in the Middle East. The goal, the agency says, is to ensure their control over the area.

Russia has a strong military presence in Syria. This includes its bases in Tartus and Khmeimim, which are located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast. These bases play a key role in maintaining peace in the region, according to Moscow.

The SVR claims that this Russian presence is stopping the US and UK from achieving their goals. To remove this "obstacle," British intelligence agencies have allegedly planned terrorist attacks on Russian bases.

The SVR also accused the US and UK of using Islamic State (IS) fighters to carry out these attacks. These fighters were reportedly released from prison after Syria’s government was overthrown earlier this month.

According to the SVR, British intelligence agency MI6 and the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) have contacted IS commanders in Syria. They allegedly gave these commanders instructions to attack Russian military bases. The fighters were also provided with attack drones to carry out their mission.

The SVR further claims that the US and UK are using airstrikes as a way to cover their involvement. While their forces carry out strikes on IS positions in Syria, the terrorists are reportedly warned about these attacks in advance. This allows them to avoid harm while the strikes serve as a distraction.

The SVR believes this strategy aims to force Russia to leave Syria. It also suggested that new Syrian leaders could be blamed for failing to control radicals.

Russia has supported Syria in its fight against terrorism since 2015. Moscow and Damascus signed a deal in 2017 allowing Russia to lease its Syrian bases for 49 years. These bases are not just military hubs but are also used to deliver humanitarian aid.

During a recent press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the military presence in Syria is important. He stressed that many in Syria’s current leadership want Russian forces to stay. Putin added that maintaining peace in the region requires careful planning and cooperation with local authorities.

The Tartus naval base and Khmeimim airbase are key to Russia's influence in the Middle East. If these bases are attacked, it could impact Russia’s ability to provide aid and maintain stability in the region.

The SVR claims these alleged plans by the US and UK show their intent to keep the Middle East in turmoil. By doing so, they aim to secure long-term dominance over the area.

While the allegations are serious, no direct evidence has been provided to support them yet. If true, these actions could lead to greater tensions between global powers. Russia’s role in Syria will likely continue to be a point of contention.

For now, Moscow says it remains committed to aiding Syria and keeping its military presence in the region. However, it has warned against any attempts to destabilize the situation further.