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Fight against Islamic state

Syrian ambassador: Strikes of US-led coalition against IS became effective only recently

When the Russian military began attacking the IS positions, the Americans too began to vigorously attack the positions of the terrorist group

© French Air Force/ECPAD via AP

MOSCOW, October 19. /TASS/. Airstrikes of the US-led coalition against militants of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group have only become effective after the Russian military began its operation, Syria’s Ambassador in Moscow Riad Haddad said on Monday.

"When the Russian military began attacking the IS positions, the Americans too began to vigorously attack the positions of this group. If we talk about the positive effect of the American airstrikes, it could be seen only recently," Haddad told Gazeta.ru

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The ambassador noted that the Syrian government had no contacts with the coalition forces, including informal.

"The only real coordination takes place between Russia’s Aerospace Forces and the Syrian Army. It was this coordination that led to success, since the Syrian army has the exact locations of terrorists," the diplomat said.

On September 30, Russia’s Federation Council unanimously gave President Vladimir Putin approval to use air force in Syria against the Islamic State (IS) and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist groups.

Later in the day, Russia’s Aerospace Forces launched surgical strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria. The military operation is conducted at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Russian air group in Syria comprises more than 50 warplanes and helicopters, including Su-34 and Su-24M bombers, Su-25 fighter bombers and Su-30SM fighters. On October 7, four missile ships of the Russian Navy’s Caspian Flotilla fired 26 Kalibr cruise missiles (NATO codename Sizzler) at militants’ facilities in Syria. The Russian Federation does not plan to take part in ground operations in Syria.

The US-led international coalition began to carry out airstrikes against IS positions last September, without the authorization of Damascus.

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Russia's military grouping in Syria

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