Reuters: Putin declares "complete victory" on both banks of Euphrates in Syria
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday a complete victory had been achieved over Islamic State militants on both banks of the Euphrates river in Syria.
In comments released by the Kremlin, Putin said the military operation in the area was now finished, and that the focus would switch to a political process that would eventually involve presidential and parliamentary elections.
Putin did not specify whether he was referring to the end of military operations in the whole of Syria, or just the areas around the Euphrates valley.
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WNU Editor: Russia President Putin made this declaration while announcing his intention to run for re-election .... this was done on purpose.
Update: The U.S. has a different point of view .... U.S. Disputes Putin's Claim That Syrian War Is Winding Down (Bloomberg).
More News On Russian President Putin Claiming Victory Against The Islamic State In Syria
Putin says IS suffers 'complete defeat' in eastern Syria -- Washington Post
Russia claims it has completely liberated Syria of ISIS terrorists -- Daily Mail
Putin Says Islamic State Suffered 'Complete Defeat' Along Euphrates River In Syria -- Radio Free Europe
Syria fully liberated from ISIS terrorists – Russian MoD -- RT
Syria fully liberated from terrorists — Russia's top brass. -- TASS
Russia declares Syria 'completely liberated' from ISIS -- Rudaw
