Russia Condemns 'Barbaric' Turkey Border Attacks, Calls for Probe

Russia on Monday condemned the twin weekend bombings near Turkey's border with Syria that Ankara blamed on groups close to the Damascus regime, calling for a thorough investigation.

"We strongly condemn these terrorist acts," the Russian foreign ministry said, expressing condolences to the victims of the "barbaric crime" that killed 48 people near the town of Reyhanli.

"What happened requires a painstaking investigation," it added, without indicating who could have been behind the attacks. "The perpetrators must be punished."

"We hope that these tragic events will not lead to the escalation of the already difficult situation in the region," it said.

The May 11 attacks were the deadliest case of what observers see as an increasing regionalization of the conflict that started in March 2011 and came as key brokers Washington and Moscow made an unprecedented joint push for peace talks.