Russia's air strikes have been a force multiplier in the province of Latakia, where the Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces have liberated a number of strategically-located villages, media reports said.
A number of strategic villages in the northeastern part of Latakia province in Syria have reportedly been regained by the Syrian Army and National Defense Forces, partly due to air strikes conducted by Russian warplanes and combat helicopters, according to Iran's FARS news agency.
The Russian fighter jets bombed the militant groups' positions near the villages of al-Dughmishlyia and Beit Ayyash, which helped the army drive the militants out of the area.
The fighting reportedly left dozens of militants killed or wounded; the rest of them retreated to avoid more casualties.
#SYRIA There were destroyed 34 command centres 16 ammo & POL depots 2 ammo & IED plants 3 training camps 50 strong points 184 fortified areas
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) 13 ноября 2015
In another development, the government forces entered the strategic village of Deir Hanna following fierce clashes with the militant groups on Monday.
#SYRIA For 2 days Russian Aerospace Forces performed 107 combat sorties engaging 289 terrorist objects
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) 13 ноября 2015
Meanwhile, the army managed to repel a large-scale offensive: the Takfiri terrorists struck government forces' positions near the town of Ghamam in Latakia province. It was reported that the terrorists suffered heavy losses in the fighting.
#SYRIA Almost 50 journalists from 12 states came to #Hmeymim to see actions of Rus aviation https://t.co/XPTRl1AQQM pic.twitter.com/cd0vjiBVZB
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) 11 ноября 2015
On September 30, more than fifty Russian aircraft, including Su-24M, Su-25 and Su-34 warplanes, commenced precision airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria at the behest of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
#SYRIA Thanks to actions of Rus aviation,gov. troops defeated 7 terrorist units(up to 900 men in total)near #Aziziyah,Kafer Haddad,Tel Mamo
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) 11 ноября 2015
Earlier that day, the Russian upper house of parliament had unanimously supported the request of President Vladimir Putin to deploy units of the Russian Aerospace Forces abroad.
Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad has confirmed that Syrian Army strikes, supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces, were being carried out against armed terrorist organizations, not political opposition factions or civilians.
