Berlin Observes Russia Anti-ISIL Campaign in Syria With Concern

BERLIN (Sputnik) — On Wednesday, Russia commenced pinpoint airstrikes on ISIL targets in Syria at the request of the country's president. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, during the first two days of the operation the country’s aircraft hit over 10 targets, among them an explosives factory, an arms depot and an ISIL coordination center. The targets were chosen based on intelligence, including air surveillance, gathered and verified by Russia and Syria.

"We observe the Russian [anti-IS] attacks in Syria with great concern," Chebli said at a briefing.

The spokeswoman said Russia’s actions did not facilitate a political process in Syria.

Russia launched airstrikes on ISIL targets in Syria following a specific request from President Bashar Assad. Since September 2014, a US-led coalition has been bombing ISIL positions in Syria without the approval of the UN Security Council or Syrian authorities.