A representative of the Russian Hmeymim airbase reported that Russian air defenses had destroyed a group of unidentified drones that approached the military facilities during hours of darkness.
"The air defense system of the Russian airbase destroyed all air targets," the Russian military stated.
According to the airbase, the group of unmanned aerial vehicles of unknown origin was detected by Russian airspace control means to the northeast from the Hmeymim.
READ MORE: Russian Air Defenses Intercept Projectile Targeting Hmeymim Base in Syria
There has been no damage of victims as a result of the incident, which took place on June 30, while the Hmeymim airbase returned to operations on a scheduled basis.
In the latest such incident, Russian air defense systems intercepted two combat drones launched by militants near the base in late April.
Russian servicemen had been deployed in Syria in fall 2015 at the invitation of the Syrian legitimate government, who asked Moscow’s assistance in the fight against terrorism. In December 2017, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that Daesh* in Syria had been completely destroyed. Following the terror group's defeat, Russian President Putin proclaimed "victory over terrorists" and ordered the partial withdrawal of Russian forces from the Syrian soil.
READ MORE: Russian Military at the Hmeymim Air Base Vote Early in Presidential Elections
Currently, two Russian bases: in Tartus and Hmeymim, as well as the center for Syrian reconciliation are operating in the country. The Hmeymim airbase was equipped with S-400 missile defense systems in the wake of an incident when a Su-24 was shot down in November 2015.
*Daesh (also called IS/ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State) — a terrorist group banned in Russia.
