Five Russian helicopters have been sent to the Ein al-Assad military airbase in order to conduct military operations against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in al-Anbar’s regions.
Photo: Sputnik / Sergey Pyatakov
The Ein al-Assad military airbase in al-Baghdadi region of Anbar province has received five Russian helicopters, which were previously delivered to the Iraqi Army, for conducting military operations against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, the Fars news agency reported, citing an Iraqi security source.
“Five Russian combat helicopters entered the Ein al-Assad airbase in the western part of Heet town in al-Anbar on Tuesday,” the source said.
The source explained that the helicopters are going to be used for supporting of the Iraqi Forces during operations, aimed at liberation of al-Anbar’s regions from IS terrorists.
The anti-IS coalition forces and US military advisors also use the Ein al-Assad airbase to fight against the terrorist group.
On Wednesday, Iraqi military sources announced that operation of Ein al-Assad, the main airbase of the province of Anbar in western Iraq, was resumed after the 13-year break.
“Five Sukhoi fighter jets of the Iraqi Air Force landed at the Ein al-Assad military airbase,” the source said.
He also added that it was the first time in the past 13 years, when Iraqi aircraft landed at the Ein al-Assad airbase.
“These fighter jets will take part in liberation operations in the regions of al-Ramadi, Heet and al-Baghdadi,” the source noted.
The Ein al-Assad military base is one of the reinforced military airbases of Iraq, which have been specially designed for landing of fighter jets and US military helicopters.