![Russian air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria Russian air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria - Sputnik International](https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/images/102952/09/1029520995.png)
On September 30, 2015 Russia started precision airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria following a request from Syria's internationally recognized government. The Russian airstrikes hit targets that are chosen based on intelligence collected by Russia, Syria, Iraq and Iran.