“We are truly shocked by the tragic events that have taken place in Syria. The victims have been innocent civilians. The use of violence against civilians is categorically unacceptable. We strongly condemn the massacres,” the diplomat told a press conference.

Zakharova noted that the Russian airbase in Hmeymim opened its doors to some nine thousand local residents, mostly women and children, who were seeking to escape the violence.

We assume that the current authorities in Damascus are also aware of their responsibility to ensure the protection and legal rights of fellow citizens in Syria, regardless of their religious affiliation, the spokeswoman stressed.

The Syrian leadership, she continued, publicly confirmed its commitment to preserve the country’s national unity.

A commission was set up to determine the circumstances of what happened and we hope that in the course of an objective investigation the perpetrators will be identified and receive the punishment they deserve, Zakharova added.

ef/arm/ro/gfa