Russia ready to support Lebanon in countering Daesh terrorists

The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness to cooperate closely with the Lebanese authorities in countering the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group.

A day after two deadly bombings occurred on the outskirts of the Lebanese capital, President Putin sent a condolence message to Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and assured assistance to Beirut in its fight against Daesh terrorists, the Kremlin press service said on Friday.

Putin also said that Russia can help track down the perpetrators of the two massive explosions that hit a security post in the Borj al-Barajaneh area in a southern suburb of Beirut. Daesh claimed responsibility for the twin attacks that killed over 40 people and injured 240 others.

"Putin expressed hope that the perpetrators and actors of this crime will be punished, stressing that Russia is ready for close cooperation with the Lebanese authorities in the fight against terrorism, in particular, the ISIL extremist group," the Kremlin statement read.

Also on Friday, Putin ruled out claims that Moscow will imminently end its ongoing airstrikes against militants in Syria, saying the military action will continue until the objectives of the operation are realized.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Tammam Salam condemned the Beirut attacks as "unjustifiable", and called for unity against "plans to create strife" in the country. He also urged officials to overcome their differences.

International condemnations poured in over the attacks with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemning it and saying the perpetrators must be “brought to justice.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari also denounced the bombings on Thursday, expressing hope that the Lebanese people, the resistance movement Hezbollah and the army will stand united against terrorism.

A large number of people have lost their lives in terrorist attacks in the Lebanese capital and some areas in the country’s east over the past months.

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