Syrian Troops Re-Energized By Russia's Successful Airstrikes –Journalist

According to him, the Russian airstrikes added to an unheard-of upsurge in the Syrian troops' morale and offered them hope that they can win.

Ibrahim said that the Russian operation had also prompted Islamic State militants to change positions and re-deploy their armored vehicles. 

"This second effect was very impressive from a military point of view," he pointed out.

Ibrahim added that also due to the Russian airstrikes, the militants currently have to take unprecedented security measures to prevent further losses.

As an example, he referred to the fact that a Friday prayer was canceled, something that was earlier attended by many militant who are now afraid of going outside because of Russian air raids.

"I think it's safe to say that the actions by Russia brought substantial results within the shortest period of time," Ibrahim concluded.

On September 30, more than fifty Russian aircraft and helicopters, including Su-24M, Su-25 and Su-34 warplanes, commenced precision airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria at the behest of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Earlier that day, the Russian upper house of parliament had unanimously supported President Vladimir Putin's request to deploy the units of the Russian Aerospace Forces abroad.

On October 7, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during a meeting with the country's President Vladimir Putin that Caspian Sea-based Russian warships have launched a total of 26 cruise missiles at Islamic State facilities, destroying all eleven targets.

According to him, "the fact that we launched high-precision [cruise] missiles from the Caspian Sea from approximately 1,500 kilometers [932 miles] away and hit all of the targets says much about the excellent training in the military-industrial complex and the good skills of the staff."