[al-Manar] Six Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers have launched airstrikes on ISIL targets in Syria’s city of Deir ez-Zor, the Russian Defense Ministry said.The Russian Defense Ministry said that the Tu-22M3 long-range bombers took off from an airfield in Russia and flew over the territory of Iraq and Iran.
“On January 23, 2017, six long-range Tu-22M3 bombers that took off from a Russian airfield and flew over Iraq and Iran carried out airstrikes on ISIL’s command posts, arms and ammunition depots near Deir Ezzor populated area.” The ministry added that all targets have been destroyed.
“Su-30SM and Su-35S provided air cover to the Russian bombers from the Hmeymim airbase.” After successfully completing their combat mission in Syria, the Russian jets returned to Russia. On Saturday, Russian strategic bombers also targeted ISIL positions in Deir Ezzor.
Last week, ISIL terrorists surrounded the Deir Ezzor military airfield in Syria’s northeast. Deir Ezzor airbase remains the last line of defense of the Syrian army on the way to the city. Despite numerous terrorist attacks involving suicide bombers and military equipment, the Syrian Air Force managed not only to successfully defend the airfield, but also counterattacked terrorists fighting in nearby territories.