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Roundup: Russia starts airstrikes in Syria as Putin points up pre-emptive actions

Xinhua, October 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

Russian air forces on Wednesday began precise airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) ground positions in Syria, and President Vladimir Putin claimed that only pre-emptive actions could truly combat international terrorism.

"In accordance with the decision made by Russian President, the aircraft of Aerospace Defense Forces today started an aerial operation and carried out localized strikes against ground targets of IS in Syrian territory," Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told reporters.

Earlier in the day, Russia's Federation Council, the upper house of parliament, granted Putin approval to send armed forces to Syria.

Presidential Administration Chief Sergei Ivanov stressed that only air forces would be used by Russia in Syria to fight against IS militants at Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's request.

"Strikes would be carried out against the military equipment, communication centers, transport vehicles, arms depots, ammunition as well as fuels and lubricant materials of IS terrorists," Interfax news agency quoted Konashenkov as saying.

He added that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has informed Collective Security Treaty Organization countries of Russia's military operation in Syria.

During a government meeting on Wednesday, Putin stressed that "the only true way to combat international terrorism, which is rampant in Syria and its neighboring countries, is to act pre-emptively."

"(We should) fight with and destroy terrorist militants in the territories occupies by them, not waiting for these terrorists to come to our home," Putin was quoted in an online transcript released by the Kremlin.

If the IS succeeds in Syria, no doubt the militants who come from other countries to assist IS would go back to their motherlands including Russia, Putin noted.

"It is possible and appropriate to bring together all interested countries to fight against international terrorism and work together based on the United Nations Charter," Putin said.

In line with international laws and "in accordance with the official request of Syrian President," Russia's military operations in Syria would be conducted with the only aim of fighting against terrorists, from air rather than on the ground, as well as with limited time duration of Syrian army's military offensives, Putin said.

Claiming that Russia would not plunge itself into the Syrian political crisis, Putin urged all Syrian parties to seek for an ultimate and lasting settlement through political reforms and extensive dialogues.

"I know that Syrian President Assad is ready for such a process and we look forward to his active and flexible attitude, his willingness to compromise for the sake of his country and his people," Putin said. Enditem