Russian bombers strike IS targets in Syria

Russian long-range military bombers launched an airstrike on Islamic State facilities in eastern Syria on Saturday, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

The strike was carried out by six Tu-22M3 strategic bombers on the IS facilities near the city of Abu kamal in the Deir ez-Zor province, with the air cover provided by Su-30SM fighters deployed at the Khmeimim airbase in western Syria, a ministry statement said, Xinhua news agency reported.

All targets including a number of terrorists, equipment and weapons were destroyed as a result of the strike, the statement said.

The aircraft returned to their bases after completing the combat mission, it added.

The Russian military has recently intensified its efforts to combat the IS. Dozens of strikes have been launched by Russian bombers and submarines near Abu kamal, one of the last IS strongholds in Syria, since the beginning of November.

--IANS

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