Russia "Sending Rescue Personnel to Turkey and Syria for Earthquake Damage"

No Damage to Russian Military Facilities in Syria

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] The Russian government has decided to send rescue personnel to Turkey and Syria, where a magnitude 7.8 earthquake caused extensive damage.

On the 6th (local time), according to major foreign media, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations announced that it has completed preparations to send two Il-76 military transport aircraft to Turkey for local rescue operations. Additionally, under the direction of Alexander Kurenkov, Minister of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, 100 rescue workers are on standby to be dispatched to the area.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed his intention to provide necessary support for rescue operations in the affected areas to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad following the earthquake. In a statement posted on the Kremlin website, he said, "We share the sorrow and pain of those who have lost their close and precious ones," and added, "We pray for the swift recovery of all victims and are ready to provide the necessary support."

Previously, since September 2015, Russia has deployed its air force to Syria, supporting government forces by conducting large-scale airstrikes against rebel units, thus intervening in the civil war. It has been reported that the Russian military facilities in northwestern Syria did not sustain significant damage from the earthquake.