Russian experts to evaluate Syrian airbase for fresh strikes

A total of 15 Russian military experts have arrived to a recently recaptured Syrian airbase in the country's northern province of Aleppo for evaluation, a monitor group reported on Friday.

The Russian experts will carry out evaluation process about the possibility of using the Kweiris airbase, as another airfield for Russian warplanes currently striking the rebel groups in Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The UK-based watchdog group said the airbase cannot be used in the meantime as it needs maintenance work to its runway and the compound in general.

The Observatory, which relies on a network of activists on ground, said the Russian warplanes are expected to use the airport of al-Qamishil in Syria's northeastern province of al-Hasakah, as part of a plan to expand the Russian air force presence in Syria.

The Russian air force has started striking positions of the IS in Syria since last September, stationing the Hmaimim airbase in the coastal province of Latakia in northwest Syria.

Government officials hail the strikes as effective in curbing the expansion of the terrorist groups.

However, the opposition accuses the Russian warplanes of targeting civilians as well.

The Observatory reported on Wednesday that at least 1,000 people have been killed in Russian airstrikes in Syria since last September.

Additionally, the UK-based monitoring group said the strikes killed 893 IS militants and 1,141 others from various jihadi groups, including the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front. Endit