Convoy of Russian Diplomatic Cars from Baghdad to Arrive in Damascus

The Russian Embassy in Damascus is waiting for the convoy of Russian diplomatic cars to arrive from Baghdad "approximately" in the afternoon, the Russian Embassy in Syria reported by telephone. So far, they haven't got in touch with the convoy heading towards the Syrian-Iraqi border, the Embassy reports.

The Russian diplomatic mission in Damascus has no exact information on the number of Russian diplomats and those injured in the convoy.

The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry's plane is ready to take off and is waiting for the Russian Embassy in Syria to confirm the order to arrive in Damascus, the Embassy reported.

Yesterday, on leaving Baghdad, the convoy of Russian diplomatic cars came under heavy fire. Besides diplomats, there were journalists and Russian Ambassador Vladimir Totirenko in the convoy. Five people were reported injured. Journalists travelling with the diplomatic mission say US soldiers opened fire.

Following the incident the Russian citizens stopped in the Iraqi town of Faluja. There the injured received medical help. They are reported to be in a satisfactory condition.