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Fight against Islamic state

Russia's 2015 expenses for military operation in Syria do not exceed estimates — official

Russian servicemen receive additional payments

© Vadim Savitsky/Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP

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MOSCOW, January 19 /TASS/. The 2015 expenses for the military operation in Syria did not exceed the Russian Defense Ministry estimate, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Tatyana Shevtsova told journalists on Tuesday.

"All the 2015 expenses for the military operation in Syria agree with the Russian Defense Ministry estimate. Our servicemen receive some additional payments," Shevtsova said.

Russia launched a military operation against the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra Front terrorist groups, both of which are banned in Russia, in the territory of Syria on September 30, 2015 at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Initially, the air group consisted of about 50 warplanes and helicopters, including Su-34 and Su24M planes; Su-25 assault aircraft; Su-30SM fighter jets; Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters. Later, 12 bombers and fighter jets joined the group, which now has 69 warplanes.

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