DAMASCUS: The two shells that struck the Russian embassy compound on Wednesday left some people injured in Damascus. The attack is being considered to be the retaliation by insurgents against Russian air strikes on Syrian people.
The explosions triggered widespread panic and smoke was seen coming from the embassy compound.
Hundreds of pro-government supporters were rallying outside, moments before the incident, in support of Russian air strikes.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described it as a terrorist attack.
‘This is most likely intended to intimidate supporters of the fight against terror and prevent them from prevailing in the struggle against extremists,’ he said. ‘We are now trying to establish those responsible.’
Rebel forces based in the suburbs of Damascus have previously targeted the embassy. Last month, Russia demanded concrete action after a missile struck the embassy compound.
One person was killed in May when mortar rounds landed near the embassy, and three people were hurt in April when mortars exploded inside the compound.
Russia began its campaign of air strikes in Syria late last month.
The Kremlin says it is attacking the Islamic State (IS) group and other jihadists, but the US says other rebel groups opposed to President Bashar al-Assad – an ally of Russia – have been targeted.
A US military spokesman said American and Russian jets came within kilometres of each other over Syria on Saturday, at around the same time both countries’ officials held talks over how to avoid conflict.
