Source: Russian Defense Ministry
During the last 1.5-2 months, Russian air defense systems intercepted 50 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched by militants in attempts to attack Russia’s Hmeimim airbase in Syria, President Vladimir Putin announced during the Germany-Turkey-Russia-France summit on Syria in Istanbul on October 28.
These UAVs are being launched by militant groups operating in the so-called Idlib de-escalation zone, which includes the militant-held parts of Idlib, Aleppo and Lattakia provinces.
Putin warned that if such provications continue, they could lead to a resumption of the military operation in Idlib. The President said that he has informed his “colleagues” about this situation and there were artillery strikes on militant targets in the Idlib zone.
The President further added that the terrorist threat in Idlib has to be eliminated and if there are no other options Russian forces are ready to empliy their military capabilities to achieve this task.
On October 25, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin stated that the January 6 UAV attack on Hmeimim airbase was coordinated by a US Poseidon-8 reconnaissance plane. More about it in this video:
