Six Russian Long-Range Bombers Strike ISIL Targets in Southeast Syria

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the strikes destroyed ISIL hideouts and military equipment in the area.The TU-22m3 bombers took off from an airfield in Russia and then flew over the territories of Iran and Iraq to carry out teh strikes, RT reported.

As the bombers entered Syrian airspace, they were joined by Su-30SM fighter jets based at Khmeimim Airbase in Western Syria, which provided cover for the attack group, the ministry said, adding that the bombers successfully "hit all the designated targets” and returned to Russia.

Over the first three days of November alone, Tu-22M3 long-range bombers carried out 18 strikes against ISIL terrorists in Eastern Syria, according to Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Igor Konashenkov. In addition, the submarines ‘Veliky Novgorod’ and ‘Kolpino’ carried out nine strikes from the Mediterranean Sea.

The Russian Air Force has been assisting the Syrian Army in its fight against terrorists for about two years. Russia launched its anti-terrorist operation in Syria at the request of the Syrian government in September 2015. In March 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the partial withdrawal of the Russian Air Force from Syria and said that the primary objective of the operation had been achieved. The remaining aircraft, however, continue to assist the Syrian Army in its fight against terrorists.