Russia expresses grave concern over terror attacks in Syrian coastal cities

Russia on Monday expressed grave concern over a series of terrorist attacks in two Syrian coastal cities, which have reportedly killed at least 74 people.

Earlier in the day, as many as 45 people were killed when four blasts ripped through the coastal city of Jableh in Latakia province in Syria, followed by four bombings that rocked Tartus, which is 100 km from the province's capital.

"There is no doubt that the growing tension and such terrorist activities are a cause for grave concern," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

He said the tragedies once again demonstrated the fragility of the situation in Syria, which calls for "continuous vigorous steps to proceed with the negotiation process."

Russia started a large-scale air campaign against the Islamic State and other terrorist groups in Syria in late September last year, which Moscow said has dealt a great blow to the militants.

A Russia-U.S.-backed cessation of hostilities plan, which took effect in late February, has since largely held despite sporadic violations.

Russia began withdrawing the majority of its forces from the war-ravaged country in mid-March, when intra-Syrian talks aiming to seek a peaceful solution to the five-year crisis kicked off in Geneva, Switzerland.

The latest round of negotiations ended earlier this month with progress being made on certain points, but deep-seated differences continue to permeate. The next round of intra-Syrian talks is yet to be scheduled. Endi