Russia confirms start of airstrikes in Syria

Russia's defense ministry says its jets are carrying out airstrikes on Islamic State positions in Syria.

Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told Russian news agencies on Wednesday that Russian jets are carrying out targeted airstrikes on the positions, vehicles and warehouses that Russia believes belong to IS militants.

Russia's upper chamber of parliament earlier on Wednesday gave the green light to President Vladimir Putin's request to send Russian troops to Syria.


By The Associated Press