FNA - Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Moscow will continue its fight against terrorism, including within Syrian territory, if it is necessary.

"You mentioned Syria. � There is no need for�such a widespread use of�the Russian armed forces in�Syria, as�it was before, although we have two stationing sites, and we, of�course, will continue the fight against�terrorism, including in�the territory of�Syria, if necessary we will work there selectively," Putin said at�the meeting with�the chairpersons of�the Russian Federal Assembly's chambers, Sputnik reported.


The president reiterated that even if the Russian armed forces continues anti-terrorism activities in�Syria, the scale of�its engagement would be much smaller than�before.


"But, I repeat, not as�it was before, with�such a wide use of�all components of�our armed forces. That is why the withdrawal took place, since�so much equipment and personnel are no longer required there. At least not required now," Putin added.


Putin in mid-December ordered�the withdrawal of�Russian troops from�Syria�after conducting an anti-terrorist aerial campaign for�over two years.


The decision on�the pullout came after�Putin announced the complete destruction of�ISIL along�both banks of�the Euphrates River, stressing that the Syrian and Russian operation in�the area ended with�the complete "routing of�the terrorists."