Russian airstrikes target Jaish al-Fateh rebels in Idlib

The Russian airstrikes targeted positions of the so-called Jaish al-Fateh, or the Conquer Army, in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, the pan-Arab al-Mayadeen TV reported.

Following the strikes, the Jaish al-Fateh rebels started moving weapon depots out of the cities of Idlib province, much of which have fallen to the Jaish al-Fateh, which is an alliance of several jihadi groups, including the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.

Major positions of Jaish al-Fateh have also been evacuated as a result of the intensive strikes, the TV said.

Meanwhile, the Syrian official TV said "the Russian air force continues its coordination with the Syrian air force and strikes the positions of the Islamic State (IS) group, using highly accurate munitions."

Ten armored vehicles and a factory for manufacturing bombs have been destroyed in Marat al-Numan area in Idlib, said the TV, adding that a command center was also destroyed in Khan Shaihun town in Idilb countryside.

The Russian warplanes started Wednesday its airstrikes against the rebel positions in several Syrian areas, marking the first Russian military involvement in the war on the terrorist groups in Syria.

Damascus has confirmed it had asked Russia for military aid, saying the Russian air force aid to Syria has come upon the request of President Bashar al-Assad, according to the state news agency SANA.

A couple of weeks ago, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said in an interview that his government could ask for a Russian military aid if necessary. A day later, Russian officials said Moscow is ready to provide aid to Syria.

The Russian leadership has recently amplified its military aid to the Syrian military forces. Russian officials have recently stressed that Moscow will continue providing military aid, including specialists, to Damascus.

Russian officials said the increasing military supplies aim at combating terrorism in accordance with international law. Endit