Russian soldier killed in Syrian roadside blast

 A Russian soldier was killed after his vehicle hit a roadside bomb on Thursday while patrolling an area near Homs, eastern Syria. 

“On 9 September 2021, in the province of Homs of the Syrian Arab Republic, during the reconnaissance of the route of the humanitarian convoy by the Russian military police, an explosive device planted on the roadside was detonated," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The soldier was paving a route planned for humanitarian aid transfer but was badly injured by the explosion and later died after receiving medical care. 

“The Russian Ministry of Defense will provide the family of the deceased soldier with all the necessary assistance and support," the ministry said.

Several Russian soldiers have been both killed and injured in roadside bombs in recent months.

Russia skipped UN Security Council negotiations in July which aimed to address whether an extended approval for cross-border aid access into Syria would be approved, diplomats said. 

Since 2015, Russia has deployed air power to Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, helping Damascus to reverse key gains made by rebel groups.

Russia's involvement in Syria has drawn criticism from human rights groups, including accusations of indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas.