Russian intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin claims that the US is training Islamic State terrorists. The aim is allegedly to destabilize Syria and promote imperialist interests.
According to Naryshkin, the US disapproves of Syria's "positive trends" whereby the country, with Russian help, has improved relations with the surrounding Arab countries. The US is said to be particularly upset that earlier this year Syria was again granted membership of the Arab League after being excluded in 2011 when the civil war broke out.
"Washington does not hide its irritation at Syria's successes and would like to reverse the emerging trends. As the customary [proxy] tool for implementing their subversive plans, the American intelligence services once again intend to use Islamic extremists, now known as the 'moderate opposition'", Naryshkin comments.
According to the intelligence chief, a US military base near Syria's border with Jordan and Iraq serves as the headquarters for the subversive operation, where "dozens" of Islamists are reportedly being trained and growing in number.
"Their ranks are regularly replenished by the Americans, who release terrorists from prisons in the occupied northeastern part of Syria. Small arms, ammunition and anti-tank missile systems are being delivered by truck to the training camps".
Naryshkin further claims that US intelligence is coordinating in real time the attacks taking place in southern Syria and targeting strategically important targets.
"What stands out here is the utter cynicism of the missions that the US handlers have tasked the gang leaders with. Among the priority targets are places of mass public gatherings, stores and government institutions".
Naryshkin further argues that Syria's improving relations with its neighbors are interfering with US imperialist ambitions in the region - but he still does not believe that Washington will succeed in its intentions to destroy Syria.
"There are too many changes in the Middle East today that run counter to the wishes of the White House. The Syrian authorities, supported by the majority of Arab states and their friends from other regions of the world, intend to continue working consistently to revitalize the country".
The Russian claims of continued US-funded terrorism in Syria have attracted the attention of a large number of media outlets in the Middle East. In Western media, however, it is difficult to find any information on the developments.
