Lavrov accuses US, coalition of hindering Russian aviation in Syria

MOSCOW – 16 November 2017: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has emphasized that contrary to Pentagon's statements, the US presence in Syria is illegal, Sputnik news agency reported Thursday.

The Syrian army’s actions supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces to eliminate the remaining Daesh militants were hindered, while more time was needed to reach our goals," the Russian foreign minister had stated, commenting on reports of the US letting Daesh terrorists flee from Raqqa.

According to Lavrov, Russia has asked for an explanation as the "consequences of militants' leaving safe and sound have influenced the situation on the ground."