MEGHASHYAM MALI
The Obama administration on Thursday condemned an attack on the Russian embassy in Damascus, Syria that killed one and left nine injured.
“The United States condemns the shelling today that hit the Russian Embassy compound in Damascus and expresses its concern for those killed and injured in the incident,” said State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki in a statement. “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,” she added.
The Russian mission was shelled in a mortar attack. According to a statement from the Russian foreign ministry, a rocket shell fell into the embassy compound and detonated, injuring employees and local residents.
Initial reports suggested that rebel groups which are seeking the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were responsible. Opposition forces have regularly shelled the capital, an Assad stronghold.
Russia is one of Assad’s staunch international defenders, blocking sanctions and efforts to force him from power.
The bloody Syrian civil war has claimed over 100,000 lives over the last two years, with civilian atrocities on both sides.
The U.S. has accused Assad of using chemical weapons in the fight, crossing a “red line” laid by President Obama.
Last month, Russia brokered a deal that would see Syria turn over its chemical stockpile to international observers and averted a threatened U.S. military strike.
http://washingtonexaminer.com/us-condemns-shelling-of-russian-embassy-in-syria/article/2539934