The Russian fighter Sukhoi Su-25, similar to the models used in the attacks in Syria (Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters)
Russia began on Thursday the second day of bombing in Syria, reports the BBC. The Russian Defense Ministry said its jets had destroyed a warehouse of ammunition and other buildings of the Islamic State.However, according to the BBC, the attacked areas are controlled by groups who oppose both the jihadists as the Syrian regime. The latest attacks hit areas in the northwest of the country, places that are home to the Army of Conquest, a rebellious alliance fighting to topple President Bashar Assad dictator.
More than 50 airplanes and helicopters of Russia take part in the bombings in Syria, said on Thursday the Russian Defense Ministry. "The aerial squadron was deployed on short notice. We were able to do so because the main equipment, materials and ammunition were already in our Tartus maintenance center", the Mediterranean port, confirmed Igor Konashenkov was quoted as, Russian military spokesman .
Yesterday the Russian aviation made twelve "surgical strikes", eight day-four night against "command centers and arsenals of jihadists in mountainous regions of the Arab country," a Russian statement.They participated in the attacks Sukhoi Su-25 and Su-24 aircraft that have been retreaded and are equipped with the most modern firing systems. The US and Syrian activists claim that the targets of the attacks were made in areas that are home to buildings controlled by extremist groups such as the Nusra Front, but also positions of the Free Syrian Army, which is supported by the West.
Russian President Vladimir Putin defended the legitimacy of the Russian intervention in Syria, having been requested by the Syrian dictator himself, Bashar Assad, and anticipated that it will last as long as the offensive of the Syrian army against his enemies. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, his targets are "heavy weaponry, communication networks, transport facilities and stockpiles of weapons, ammunition and explosives belonging to terrorists EI".
The Russian attacks on Wednesday represented a major intervention in the Middle East for decades and led to civil war, which has lasted four years, a new phase, as Putin staked his influence in the unstable region. The United States see the Russian decision to enter the Syrian conflict as an attempt both to combat Islamic extremists as to try to ensure Assad's survival, main ally of Moscow in the Middle East.For Washington, the Russian intervention can prolong and complicate the war, as it would keep Assad in power and add a powerful military force in the complicated and fragile balance of forces in the Middle East.
