Military operations have been carried out continuously at Russia’s Hmeymim airbase in the Syrian city of Latakia, with the roar of aircraft a common occurrence since Russian forces arrived last September.
With Mi-24 attack helicopters hovering over the airbase, fighter jets from the Sukhoi-designed fleet, including the Russian Air Force’s latest Su-34 model, have been taking off from the base to conduct airstrikes against terrorist targets in the war-stricken country.
“The Russian air force has conducted 173 flight missions over the past five days at the Hmeymim airbase, striking a total of 637 infrastructure targets belonging to the militants,” said Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Igor Konashenkov.
Since Russian airstrikes commenced in the end of September last year, around 6,000 flying missions have been carried out at the airbase.
The S-400 missile defense system has also been under operation at the base since a Russian Su-24 fighter jet was downed by Turkish forces last November.
Meanwhile, Two Il-76 transport planes belonging to Russia and Syria respectively have been deployed to deliver humanitarian goods to residents stranded in IS-controlled regions since Jan 15.
Notices reading “For Syrian friends” are tagged on the packaged goods which come from Russia and include daily necessities like instant rice, coffee, salt and sugar.
“By convention, airdrops are usually carried out at night with the lights turned off since they are dangerous operations. Militants would keep shooting at aircraft flying in the sky above the city. In order to drop materials to designated places accurately, the flying height shouldn’t be higher than 3,000 meters during airdrop operations. These are very dangerous movements. So far, all materials have been dropped to the designated places,” said Konashenkov.
Russian media has previously reported that the airbase will be used indefinitely, according to an agreement with the Syrian government.
With patrolling enhanced and facilities reinforced, it seems that Russia is well prepared for a long-lasting war in Syria. (CCTV/Reuters)
