Russian combat jets have launched first 'pinpointed' airstrikes on positions of ISIL militants in Syria, the Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
"In accordance with the decision by Supreme Commander of Russian Armed Forces Vladimir Putin, aircraft from the Russian Aerospace Force began today an operation which involves precision airstrikes on ISIL land-based targets in Syria," spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said, Sputnik News reported.
According to Konashenkov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has informed other members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization that the Russian jets carry put strikes on ISIL military hardware, arms and fuel depots.
Earlier on Wednesday, Russia's upper house of parliament authorized the use of the country's armed forces in war-torn Syria. According to presidential aide Sergei Ivanov, the military goal of the operation is exclusively air support of the Syrian government forces in their fight against ISIL.