CBS News reports that a mortar round landed inside the Russian Embassy compound in Damascus today.
The Russian Foreign Ministry’s response — while accusing the rebels of the attack — was surprisingly restrained saying that three workers were injured in the attack, but that the injuries were not life-threatening and providing no additional details, according to CBS.
Equally surprising was Russia’s offer over the weekend to send troops to Syria to help remove the chemical weapons, albeit not “a full military contingent,” according to CBS.
CBS:
In an interview broadcast Sunday on state TV’s Channel One, Lavrov said Russia has proposed that there be an international presence on the perimeter of all areas where chemical weapons experts will work in Syria. “We are ready to share our servicemen and military police to participate in these forces,” but “it seems to me that military observers will be sufficient,” he said.
The BBC also reports on Russia’s offer to send troops to help remove Syria chemical weapons.
In the meantime, the international chemical weapons watchdog, the OPCW, says Syria has met the deadline to submit details of its estimated 1,000-ton chemical arsenal, according to the BBC.
The State Department has condemned the shelling of the Russian Embassy compound:
The United States condemns the shelling today that hit the Russian Embassy compound in Damascus and expresses its concern for the welfare of those injured in the incident. We condemn any attack against individuals or facilities protected by international law. The United States continues to emphasize that those responsible for atrocities on all sides must be held accountable.
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The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.