Russian Aerospace Forces Conduct 64 Sorties in Syria, Hit 55 ISIL Targets

The Russian military has increased the intensity of combat flights in Syria as the number of ISIL targets has grown, the Russian Defense Ministry's spokesman said.

"The increased intensity of the combat missions of our aircraft is related to a significant rise of the number of ground targets identified by means of air and space reconnaissance throughout the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic," Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said adding that the strikes are conducted by Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25SM aircraft.

Russian airstrikes in Syria have significantly reduced ISIL's combat potential, their mobility as well as the terrorists' ability to attack, he said.

He added that Russian Aerospace Force's strikes destroyed ISIL's major technical, logistic support objects as well as a fortified area equipped with firing points, mortar emplacements, ammunition depots and food.

"This has led to a significant reduction of the armed gangs' combat potential, [their] mobility and ability to conduct offensive operations."

"According to radio intercepts, [ISIL] militants are experiencing an acute shortage of weapons, ammunition, fuel and lubrication materials. Some fighters are demoralized and leave combat areas, moving to the east and north-east."

Currently, ISIL is conducting an "active redeployment" of weapons, military equipment and vehicles with ammunition almost on the whole territory of Syria aimed at the "urget restoration of combat capability of the operating armed gangs," Konashenkov added.

ISIL command centers in Syrian Raqqa, Hama, Damascus and Aleppo provinces have been the key targets of Russian airstrikes over 24 hours.

Russian Air Force jets have destroyed 29 ISIL field camps and ammunition depots in the Hama province, he said. Russian strikes also hit two ISIL command centers and 23 strongholds.

"Two [ISIL] militant command posts, ammunition depot in the province of Hama, 29 field camps of terrorists, 23 fortified positions with weapons and military equipment were destroyed as a result of the actions of our aviation group per day," Konashenkov said.

Russia's Su-24M bombers have destroyed a large Islamic State stronghold in the Aleppo province.

"Su-24M bombers hit a large stronghold of the militants east of Tel Alam, Aleppo province, where pillboxes, mortar artillery positions, as well as underground ammunition depots and food storages were located," ministry's spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said. "As a result of a BETAB-500 direct hit an explosion occurred and all engineering constructions of the militants were destroyed."

Russia has sent a draft document to the United States on the measures aimed to avert air incidents between the Russian Aerospace Forces and US-led anti-ISIL coalition over Syria, the Defense Ministry's spokesman said adding Moscow is awaiting an official notification from Washington on the date of next consultations.