Russian Operations in Syria to Continue During Syrian Army's Offensive

Russia's airstrikes against terrorist groups in Syria will continue while Syria's government-led army carries out its ground offensive, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russian aistrikes will be carried out "as long as the Syrian armed forces carry out their offensive," Peskov added.

"As has been repeatedly stated, including by the president, in regard to the duration of this operation: the operation is intended to support Syria's armed forces," Peskov told reporters.

Russia’s Sukhoi Su-25, Su-24M and Su-34 attack aircraft, with the support of Su-30 jets, commenced precision airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria on September 30, following a request from Syrian President Bashar Assad.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, since the beginning of the air campaign Russian air forces have carried out about 140 strikes against terrorist positions, including command centers, training camps and ammunition depots. Russian warships in the Caspian Sea have fired 26 cruise missiles on ISIL targets.

Syrian General Staff Lt.-Gen. Ali Abdullah Ayyoub said Thursday that the country's Armed Forces had launched a large-scale operation against the Islamic State to retake occupied areas from the terrorists.