The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, said during a press conference on Monday that Russia will provide “ the most active ” air support to the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) units in the Aleppo Governorate.

“We will decide on how our air forces should act, depending on the situation,” Lavrov said in a media conference following talks with his Finnish counterpart. “This will not be a surprise for the Americans.”

Last week, the jihadist rebels of Jabhat Al-Nusra, Faylaq Al-Sham, and Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham launched a large-scale offensive in southern Aleppo to seize several points under the control of the government forces.

In response to these jihadist gains, the Russian Air Force stepped up their efforts by targeting several Nusra installations in southern Aleppo, killing several militants in the process.

The U.S. asked Russia to use “caution” when attacking these jihadist groups because some “moderate” rebel forces are entrenched with them.

Lavrov responded on Monday by reminding the U.S. that the moderate rebels have had plenty of time to abandon the jihadist groups.

“We believe there was plenty of time for the ‘normal’ opposition to leave Nusra Front territories since February. Those who didn’t part ways with the terrorists have only themselves to blame.”