Russia says its warplanes only bomb terror targets

Russian fighters deployed at the Hmeimim air base in Syria only strike targets of the Islamic State (IS) and Nusra Front militants, said the Russian Defense Ministry on Monday.

"Warplanes of the Russian air force are striking only the IS and Nusra Front terrorist groups in provinces of Rappa, Deir ez-Zor and Homs in Syria," ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

They are not targeting the Syrian opposition groups that support the cease-fire agreement, he added.

The cessation of hostilities, backed by Russia and the United States and agreed by a number of armed groups and the Syrian government, came into effect in late February.

The deal excludes the IS and the Nusra Front, both of which are listed by the United Nations as terrorist groups. Endit