Russian bombers hit IS targets in eastern Syria

A still image, taken from video footage and released by Russia's Defence Ministry on August 18, 2016, shows a Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range bomber based at Iran's Hamadan air base dropping off bombs at Islamic State and Nusra Front targets according to the ministry, in the Syrian province of Deir ez-Zor. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW - Six long-range TU-22M3 bombers on Sunday launched airstrikes on targets of Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in the province of Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"After taking off from an airfield on the Russian territory, the aircraft hit terrorists'strongholds and areas with high concentration of militants in the Euphrates valley," the ministry said in a statement.

The destruction of all targets was recorded by unmanned aerial vehicles, the ministry said.

Su-30SM and Su-35S fighter jets based at the Khmeimim airbase in western Syria provided air cover for the bombers, it added.

The Russian military have launched dozens of strikes on terrorists in Syria since the beginning of November.

According to the Russian Federation Council's Defense and Security Committee, the fight against IS in Syria will possibly be over by the end of the year and Russia may be able to withdraw its air force.