Russia's Latest Strikes Weaken Militants in Syria
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Russia said Sunday its latest Syria strikes hit infrastructure used by militants in Syria and that it has information of growing strife between groups opposing President Bashar Assad.
The defense ministry said its pilots flew 39 sorties and carried out 60 strikes in Hama, Latakia, Aleppo and Damascus provinces, slightly up on the previous day.
Russian forces hit a "command point of one of the detachments of the Jaish al-Fatah (or Army of Conquest) terrorist organization" in Kafr Zeita 40 km northwest of Hama, the defense ministry said.
"As a result of the air strike, the running of the detachments of the Jaish al-Fatah terrorist organization in this area was totally disrupted, after which the fighters abandoned this combat area."
Moscow said it also destroyed a network of fortified tunnels in Talbisseh in Homs province used by ISIL extremists to hide from the Syrian army and secretly move around the town, AFP reported.
It also said it destroyed an "advanced supply point" in Damascus province that was used by ISIL to deliver ammunition, food and fuel.
Russia said that it had information of increasing strife between the terrorist groups ISIL and Al-Nusra Front, both of which it has named as targets.
"Dissention between the various terrorist groups is growing, due to the battle for control over territory and cash flows," the ministry said.
"According to the data from communications interceptions, just last week ISIL carried out three terrorist attacks using mined vehicles against field commanders of Al-Nusra Front," the ministry said.
It also said it had information of mass desertions by militants and forced recruitment.