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BEIJING, Oct. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- The Russian Defense Ministry says its warplanes hit 63 Islamic State targets in central and northern Syria on Sunday, including militant bases, ammunition depots and training camps.
A Russian Defence Ministry spokesman said at a news conference that ISIL militants are running short of ammunition and some have had to withdraw from combat. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Defense Minister Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud promised Sunday to continue working together to find a political solution in Syria.
The Russian News Agency quoted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying the two sides emphasized the importance of not letting the ISIL gain the upper hand in Syria. Putin assured the Saudi defense minister that Russia's air raids are "exclusively" against the Islamic State and other terrorist groups.
Russian television on Sunday aired an interview with Putin in which he said the goal of the Russian airstrikes was to pave way for a political compromise in Syria.
"Our goal is to stabilise the lawful authorities and to create the conditions for finding a political compromise. When international terrorists like the Islamic State and others like them are next to the capital they have no wish to negotiate with the Syrian authorities, who are almost besieged in their own capital. When the Syrian army shows its ability and readiness - which is most important - to fight terrorism, then the chances of reaching a political compromise will be much higher," Putin said.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
