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Russian Defense Ministry: Some IS groups in Syria may quit combat area over arms shortage

According to the ministry, the militants are taking "desperate attempts" to supply ammunition, weapons, fuel from the IS-controlled Raqqa province to the line of engagement with the Syrian army

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Some groupings of militants from the Islamic State terrorist organization are ready to start their pullout from the fighting area in Syria over shortage of arms and ammunition, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj.-General Igor Konashenkov said on Tuesday.

"Interceptions of radio talks between field commanders in the provinces of Hama and Homs show that the militants are experiencing a shortage of ammunition for small arms and grenade launchers. Some field commanders are advancing demands to their leaders that they will pull out their groupings from the fighting areas, unless ammunition is replenished," the spokesman said.

The Defense Ministry said on Monday the Russian aircraft disrupted materiel and technical support of the Islamic State terrorist organization banned in Russia and the militants "are taking desperate attempts" to supply ammunition, weapons, fuel and other inventory from the IS-controlled Raqqa province to the line of engagement with the Syrian army.

Russia launched an operation against terrorists in Syria on September 30 at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Russian Aerospace Force’s aviation grouping comprises over 50 aircraft and helicopters, including the newest Sukhoi Su-34 warplanes, Su-30 fighter jets, as well as modernized Su-24M bombers and Su-25SM attack aircraft.

Also, the Russian Navy delivered strikes from the Caspian Sea against militants’ objectives in Syria, using Kalibr long-range cruise missiles.

At the same time, Russia has no plans to participate in ground operations in Syria.