Russia blames Syrian rebels and ‘outside sponsors’ after shell hits embassy compound

Russia demanded action after a shell landed in its embassy compound in Damascus, as President Vladimir Putin tried to reassure Israel over an apparent military build-up in Syria that US officials now say includes combat aircraft.

Moscow said that a mortar fell on the embassy compound in the Syrian capital on Sunday without causing damage and blamed forces battling President Bashar al-Assad and their “outside sponsors” for the shelling.

“We await a clear standpoint on this terrorist act from all members of the international community, including regional actors,” Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday.

“What is needed is not just words, but concrete action.”

The Russian embassy, in Damascus’ Mazraa neighbourhood, has been hit before. In May, one person was killed by mortar rounds that landed nearby. Three were hurt when mortar rounds landed inside the compound in April.

The United States says Russia - one of the few remaining allies of Assad - is deploying personnel and military hardware to Syria, sparking fears Moscow is getting ready to fight alongside government forces.

On Monday, two US officials said Russia has deployed 28 ground attack and fighter planes at an airfield in the western Syrian province of Latakia.