Russian Embassy shelled in Syria as insurgents hit back

Al-Qaida's branch in Syria, meanwhile, released an audio message purportedly from its leader urging Muslims in the former Soviet Union to attack Russian civilians if Russia targets civilians in Syria.

The developments underscored the complications brought about by Russia's military intervention in Syria, which is fueling an already brutal conflict with a multitude of radical groups. No one was hurt in the embassy shelling, officials said, and it was not the first time the compound has been hit during the civil war. The attack came as hundreds of people were gathered outside to thank Moscow for its military intervention.
An Associated Press reporter who was outside the embassy when the first shell slammed into the compound in central Damascus saw smoke billowing from inside. As people ran away, another shell hit the area, landing about 200 meters (yards) from the compound.

It was not clear if the attack had targeted the rally. "This is obviously a terrorist act intended to probably frighten supporters of the war against terror," said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Insurgents have vowed to fight back after Moscow began its airstrikes in Syria on Sept. 30. Russia has been one of the strongest supporters of Syrian President Bashar Assad since the start of the uprising in 2011.

"We call upon all holy warriors who are besieged in Hama to ignite all the fronts and then merge with Muslims who are approaching," a statement said. Before the shelling, the demonstrators had gathered outside the embassy carrying posters showing Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and waving the flags of both countries.

Some held placards that read: "Thanks Russia" and "Syria and Russia are together to fight terrorism." "President Putin's stances were absolutely positive for Syria," said 39-year-old civil servant Nizar Maqsoud.

"All the West stood against us. Only Russia backed us. ... We are all here to thank Russia and President Putin," said Osama Salal, an 18-year-old student. The Russian airstrikes have been a source of hope for Assad's supporters, many of whom had lost faith in his ability to regain momentum in the civil war after losing huge parts of the country in recent years.

The Russian airstrikes have allowed Syrian government forces to launch a multipronged ground assault. Moscow insists it is mainly targeting the Islamic State group and other "terrorists," but the ground-and-air offensive is being waged in areas controlled by U.S.-backed rebels and other insurgents, including the Nusra Front.