Russian Jets Carry Out Record 67 Sorties Against ISIL Targets in Syria

Attack aircraft from the Russian air group deployed in Syria carried out record 67 combat missions in the past 24 hours hitting a total of 60 Islamic State targets, the Russian General Staff said Friday.

"In the past 24 hours, the Russian combat aircraft carried out 67 missions. The Sukhoi Su-34 and Su-24SM planes destroyed 60 terrorist targets," Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Igor Makushev told reporters in Moscow.

The intensity and effectiveness of airstrikes by Russian air force against the Islamic State targets significantly increased in the past 24 hours, inflicting heavy casualties among terrorists.

According to Deputy Chief of the Russian General Staff, Lt. Gen. Igor Makushev, the Russian Sukhoi Su-34 and Su-25SM strike aircraft destroyed six command and communication posts, six ammunition and fuel depots, 17 training camps, three underground bunkers, 16 fortified positions, a vehicle repairs facility, 17 vehicles and two multiple-launch rocket systems.

A Russian airstrike destroyed a terrorist base and ammunition depot located in a former prison building in the outskirts of Aleppo, killing some 100 militants, Makushev said.

In addition, directs hits by Russian KAB-500S precision guided bombs destroyed the headquarters of the Liwa al-Haqq terrorist group.

"Radio intercepts confirm that this airstrike killed two IS high-ranking field commanders and about 200 terrorists," the general said.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, since the beginning of the air campaign Russian air forces have carried out about 140 strikes against terrorist positions, including command centers, training camps and ammunition depots. Russian warships in the Caspian Sea fired 26 cruise missiles on ISIL targets on Wednesday.