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Syria conflict: Shells hit Russian embassy compound | Syria conflict: Shells hit Russian embassy compound |
(35 minutes later) | |
Two shells have struck the Russian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus as hundreds of pro-government supporters rallied outside in support of Russian air strikes. | Two shells have struck the Russian embassy compound in the Syrian capital Damascus as hundreds of pro-government supporters rallied outside in support of Russian air strikes. |
No-one was killed but a BBC Arabic correspondent in Damascus says some people were injured. | |
The explosions triggered widespread panic and smoke was seen coming from the embassy compound. | The explosions triggered widespread panic and smoke was seen coming from the embassy compound. |
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. | |
"Together with the Syrian authorities, we are now trying to establish those responsible." | |
In another development on Tuesday, a report by Amnesty International accused Kurdish forces in northern Syria of carrying out a wave of forced displacements and mass house demolitions that amounted to war crimes. | |
It said the Popular Protection Units (YPG) had razed entire villages after capturing them from IS. | |
The YPG has consistently denied accusations of forced displacements. | |
Russian 'crusade' | |
Activist group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the shells fired at the embassy had come from an eastern area of the capital. | |
Moments before, demonstrators had been waving Russian flags and holding up photographs of Russian President Vladimir Putin, witnesses said. | Moments before, demonstrators had been waving Russian flags and holding up photographs of Russian President Vladimir Putin, witnesses said. |
High-stakes gamble Risks of air forces from Russia, Syria and Nato operating in close proximity | |
Why? What? How? Five things you need to know about Russia's involvement | |
What can Russia's air force do? The US-led coalition has failed to destroy IS. Can Russia do any better? | |
The close ties behind Russia's intervention | |
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. | 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. | 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's Muslims divided over strikes | |
Syria's civil war explained | |
Russia began its campaign of air strikes in Syria late last month. | 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. | 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. |
The Russian offensive has allowed pro-government forces to regain ground they had lost to rebel groups. | |
On Monday, the head of the al-Nusra Front - a branch of al-Qaeda in Syria - described Russia's intervention as "a new crusade". | On Monday, the head of the al-Nusra Front - a branch of al-Qaeda in Syria - described Russia's intervention as "a new crusade". |
Abu Mohammad al-Golani called on rebel groups to unite in the wake of the air strikes and also urged Muslims in the Russian Caucasus to attack civilians there. | Abu Mohammad al-Golani called on rebel groups to unite in the wake of the air strikes and also urged Muslims in the Russian Caucasus to attack civilians there. |
The Russian attacks have concentrated on areas in north-western Syria where al-Nusra has a powerful presence. | |