DISINFO: Russia saved Syria as a country
SUMMARY
In the four years since the presence of Russian air forces in Syria, much has been achieved, but most importantly, Syria was saved as a country.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the Syrian war. In fact, Russia saved a leader, not a nation. There is ample evidence that the Syrian leadership (supported by Russia) is responsible for numerous massacres, bombings and chemical attacks on civilians in Syria. Russian airstrikes on hospitals, water treatment plants and mosques [causing hundreds of civilian deaths] have also been documented. Both militaries have denied the allegation. Amnesty International has also gathered evidence, including photos and video footage, suggesting the Russians have used unguided bombs in densely populated civilian areas, as well as internationally banned deadly cluster munitions. Moreover, pro-Kremlin media often refer to Russian military intervention in Syria as a “war on terrorism” aimed at destroying Daesh. In reality, Russia’s military action has mostly concentrated on targeting the non-Daesh opposition forces, while a relatively low proportion of Russian airstrikes in Syria have targeted Daesh or other al-Qaeda-linked groups. See similar cases here.