Russia denies reports of its militants killed in car explosion in Syria

The Russian Defence Ministry on Sunday denied reports about an alleged killing of five Russian servicemen in a car explosion on the road to Al-Raqqa in Syria, Russia’s Interfax reported.

“The reports of the Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera about the alleged deaths of Russian servicemen in Syria are yet another disinformation… All Russian soldiers in the Syrian Arab Republic are safe and sound and fulfilling their duties”, the spokesman of the Russian Defence Ministry Major General Igor Konashenkov said.  He expressed regret over the broadcaster’s “spreading fake news”.

According to sources close to the Syrian authorities, a Russian military vehicle carrying ammunition, exploded on Saturday night on the road between the cities of Jableh and Baniyas, leading to the death of five Russian military servicemen.

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The sources added that the incident was the result of technical problems, excluding the possibility of a terrorist attack. According to them, the Syrian military has cordoned off the scene and together with the representatives of Russia are investigating the incident.

Since 2011, Syria has been engulfed in a war, with government forces fighting against numerous opposition and terrorist groups, including Al-Nusra Front and Daesh, banned in a range of countries, including Russia.

Russia has been conducting a counter-terrorist campaign in Syria since September 30, 2015, at President Bashar Assad’s request.

Last year, the Russian army’s air forces announced incurring significant losses in the fight.