ISLAMABAD – Russian air defenses have repelled a drone attack launched byunidentified militants on the strategic Hmeimim airbase in Syria’s westerncoastal province of Latakia.
The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday, “With thestandard anti-aircraft missile systems deployed by the Russian air base,air targets were destroyed at a safe distance.”
The statement noted that the incident inflicted no damage on the airbase.
“There were no injuries or material damage. Russia’s Hmeimim airbase isoperating in normal mode.”
The ministry added that the militants used three small-sized drones in theattack, which approached the base from the northeast on Sunday.
Over the past year, the Russian military has thwarted several drone andmortar attacks launched by militants on the airbase, destroying 53 drones,and 27 multiple-launch rocket system shells.
Russia has been helping Syrian forces in the ongoing battles across theconflict-plagued Arab country.
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The Russian military assistance, which began in September 2015 at theofficial request of the Syrian government, has proved effective as Syrianscontinue to recapture key areas from Daesh and other terrorist groupsacross the country thanks to Russian air cover, Press TV has reported.
Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. TheSyrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regionalallies are aiding Takfiri terrorist groups that are wreaking havoc in thecountry.
US soldiers block Russians heading toward oil field
Meanwhile, US forces stationed in areas controlled by militants from theKurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) have prevented Russian troops fromapproaching an oil field located in Syria’s northeastern province ofHasakah.
