Watch how Russian choppers prepare to bomb IS in Syria

In addition to air strikes, Moscow had also fired several rounds of missiles from its submarine for the first time since it's operation of strikes against the militant group.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | Updated: December 22, 2015 10:02 AM IST

3 min read

Russia’s aggressive air campaign against the Islamic State continued on Tuesday as the country’s Mil Mi-24 helicopters prepared to take off for sorties against the militant group and other rebels from the Hmeymin airbase in Latakia, Syria. Since the inception of the air campaign, Moscow has conducted around 5,000 sorties reportedly against the Islamic State militants.

The video shows Russian choppers being loaded with warheads and missiles ahead of a sortie to strike militants and rebels in Syria’s Raqqa, the Islamic State group’s stronghold.

WATCH VIDEO

In addition to air strikes, Moscow had also fired several rounds of missiles from its submarine for the first time since it’s operation of strikes against the militant group. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had said, “Russia’s submarine strikes have reportedly hit “300 targets of different kinds” in the past and has helped Syrian special forces recover the black box of the Russian warplane downed by Turkey last month.”

Video shows Russia firing missiles from submarine at IS in Syria

Meanwhile, the US has been suspicious of Russia’s motives in Syria ever since they announced their plan to strike Islamic State militants. The US has alleged that the Russian operations are being conducted to prop up the regime of Bashar al-Assad and strike Western-backed rebels with the pretext of hitting IS targets.

Bombs for use against the Islamic State.

To reduce discord and increase cooperation between both nations on the future of Syria, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met last week to find a common ground to end Syria’s long-raging civil war that has left thousands displaced. “Together the United States and Russia have the ability to make a significant difference here,” Kerry said as he praised Russia’s role in seeking to create a political transition process for Syria with other nations, including the U.S.

Russia and the U.S. have been at odds over the dyanmics of Syria’s political transition, as well as the military approach to fighting the Islamic State group.

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