Russian Airstrikes Destroy ISIL HQ in Syria

© Sputnik/ Vitaly Ankov

Middle East

The Russian Air Force overnight destroyed a terrorist headquarters and arms depot in Syria’s northwestern Idlib region during airstrikes aimed at Islamic State militants, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

“A headquarters of terrorist groups and an arms depot were destroyed in the region of Ildib, as well as a militant three-level fortified command point in the region of Hama [in west-central Syria],” the press service said.

Russian aircraft carried out airstrikes on four Islamic State targets in Syria overnight. During the airstrikes factory where terrorists loaded cars with explosives was destroyed.

"During the night, Russian aviation bombed four Islamic State targets on Syrian territory. Eight sorties on Su-24M and Su-25 were conducted," the press service said in a statement.

More than 50 Russian Air Force airplanes and helicopters are involved in airstrikes against Islamic State positions in Syria, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry said.

“The aviation group was deployed very quickly. We were able to do this since the main supplies of material and arms were stored in the material-technical support point in Tartus [Syria]. All that was left to do was to deploy aviation and bring some equipment in,” the press service said.

Russia is only carrying out airstrikes outside of populated areas in Syria, and bases its moves on confirmed intelligence data.

"To avoid civilian damage, Russian airstrikes are set to hit sites located strictly outside of settlements, based on confirmed intelligence data from various sources," the press service said.

All airstrikes being conducted by the Russian Air Force are being agreed with the leaders of the Syrian Army, which has set up a Syrian Defense operative group at the Hmaimim Airbase, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry said.

“All airstrikes by Russian aviation are agreed with the leaders of the Syrian Army, which has established a Syrian Defense Ministry operative group at the Hmaimim Airbase,” the press service said.

© Photo: Russian Defense Ministry

Russia’s Anti-ISIL Airstrikes in Syria in 'Line With Int'l Law'

Russia launched an aerial campaign on Wednesday, at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad, targeting eight IS military hardware, arms and fuel depots. To that end, Moscow recently established a joint Baghdad Information Center with Iran, Iraq and Syria to coordinate efforts in combating the terrorist group. The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that it has already carried out some 20 combat missions in Syria since the campaign started, striking at least eight ISIL targets.