In a series of statements that drew international attention, the Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergey Naryshkin, asserted that the United States is training militants linked to the Islamic State at a military facility in Syria. He claimed this program is aimed at destabilizing the country, a position he described as a deliberate effort by Washington to shape events on the ground in Syria. The assertion was reported by a major Russian news agency, and it was presented as part of a broader critique of U.S. policy in the region. [citation: TASS]
According to Naryshkin, Washington does not conceal its dissatisfaction with what he characterized as successful outcomes in Syria. He argued that this unease is driving U.S. attempts to alter the balance of power through covert support for rebel groups and extremist factions. This perspective frames the issue as a long-standing pattern of intervention where outside powers influence Syria’s internal dynamics through proxy actors. [citation: TASS]
Naryshkin further claimed that American intelligence services have a habit of reactivating extremist elements under the label of the “moderate opposition,” a strategy he said is coordinated through the Et-Tanf base near the tri-border area with Jordan and Iraq. He described the camp as a locus where fighters are reportedly rotated and replenished as part of ongoing operational plans. The report also mentions alleged deliveries of light arms, ammunition, and anti-tank systems to equipment depots connected with these activities. [citation: TASS]
Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with counterparts from Syria, Turkey, and Iran, reiterating a stance that the United States had contributed to instability by forming what he characterized as a coalition or force component with participation from ISIS elements. Lavrov’s remarks were framed as part of a shared regional assessment of the dynamics affecting Syria’s future, highlighting concerns about how external influence might shape political and security outcomes there. [citation: TASS]
As the dispute over who bears responsibility for Syria’s ongoing volatility persists, observers note that the region remains deeply polarized with competing narratives about the roles of external powers. Analysts emphasize the importance of corroborating such claims through independent investigations and open-source reporting, given the high stakes for regional security and international diplomacy. In this context, the evolving statements from Moscow and their reception in Damascus, Ankara, and other capitals contribute to a broader dialogue on accountability, transparency, and the potential consequences for civilians caught in the conflict. [citation: attributed to multiple agencies]