Su-25 aircrafts in Syria. FILE IMAGE: Vadim Grishankin/Russian Defense Ministry Press and Information Office/TASS
On January 22, warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) carried out a series of airstrikes on ISIS’s areas of influence in Syria’s central region.
The Russian airstrikes, which were the first to hit ISIS this year, targeted hideouts of the terrorist group’s cells near the town of al-Resafa in the southern countryside of Raqqa. Last year, the terrorists established a strong presence around the town after launching repeated attacks on military positions there.
The Syrian Arab Army and its allies deployed reinforcements on several fronts in the central region, including the southern Raqqa countryside, over the last few days and are reportedly preparing to kick off a series of combing operations. The Russian airstrikes on the outskirts of al-Resafa were likely carried out to pin down ISIS terrorists ahead of the upcoming operations.
Last year, the VKS played a key role in the battle against ISIS remnants in central Syria. According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 3935 airstrikes targeted the terrorist group’s cells, their hideouts and equipment in the region. As a result, 159 terrorists were killed and at least 255 others were wounded.
ISIS insurgency in the central region will likely continue throughout this year. However, the terrorist group’s cells are currently contained away from all key urban centers and strategic roads in the region.
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