Intel Suggests CIA, Pentagon Behind Media Leaks About US Strikes on Syrian Army

Russian Defense Ministry believes that the leaks to the media about possible US strikes on the Syrian army could be a preface to real action, spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said.

"A number of Western media outlets have published "leaks" about the talks held in the White House administration about the possibility to hold missile and airstrikes on the positions of the Syrian army," Konashenkov said. "As history has shown, such "leaks" often prove to be a preface to real action."

"I point out to all the 'hotheads' that following the September 17 coalition airstrike on the Syrian Army in Deir ez-Zor we took all necessary measures to exclude any similar 'accidents' happening to Russian forces in Syria," Konashenkov said.

Konashenkov also said that any missile or air strike on the territories controlled by the Syrian government, would pose clear threat to Russian military personnel.

"Today, the majority of Russian officers from the Russian Centre for reconciliation of opposing sides in the Syrian Arab Republic, are working on the ground, providing humanitarian help and holding talks with the leaders of local communities and militia units in the majority of Syrian provinces."

He commented further that "Russian S-300, S-400 air defense systems deployed in Syria's Hmeymim and Tartus have combat ranges that may surprise any unidentified airborne targets. Operators of Russian air defense systems won't have time to identify the origin of airstrikes, and the response will be immediate. Any illusions about "invisible" jets will inevitably be crushed by disappointing reality."