Syrian militants say they killed six Russian soldiers

Syrian militants from the Faylak al-Sham group said they had killed six Russian soldiers. According to the statement of the terrorists, cited by the SITE organization, this happened in the city of Hama.

The militants claim to have followed the Russians for three months. It is also reported that Iranian and Syrian soldiers were killed along with them. Under what circumstances this happened is unknown.

The Ministry of Defense denied the message of the militants. “All Russian military personnel stationed in the Syrian Arab Republic are alive, healthy and, to the envy of provocateurs, perform and will continue to perform tasks as intended,” the military department said.

• The Russian military has been participating in combat operations in Syria since September 30, 2015. In March 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the withdrawal of the main part of the group, but the other part remained there. Since March, about 20 Russians have died in Syria. Russians are also unofficially fighting in Syria as mercenaries.