Russia condemns Sweida attacks killing 150 in Syria

MOSCOW - Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday condemned the series of bombings and attacks in Syria earlier during the day that left at least 150 people dead and dozens of others wounded.

The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attacks in the southern province of Sweida.

"We strongly condemn these atrocities," the ministry said, calling for joint efforts from the international community to combat terrorism.

It said terrorist groups such as IS and Al-Nusra Front, fearing "imminent defeat" in light of the Syrian Army's progress, were resorting to large-scale violence against civilians.

"The latest criminal attack by the IS terrorists has reaffirmed the misanthropic essence of the ideology and practice of terrorism and the importance of coordinating energetic international efforts to stamp out this global evil in Syria," the ministry said.

In May, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said his administration has nearly won the seven-year war in Syria with the army making major progress in the fight against the rebels.

Russia has participated in anti-terrorist operations in Syria since September 2015 at the request of the Syrian government.