WorldMOSCOW, AFP -Russian warplanes on Tuesday flew a bombing run from an Iranian airstrip against jihadist groups in war-torn Syria, the defence ministry said -- the first time Moscow has reported using an Iranian air base. The bombing also targeted three command centres near the village of Jafra and Deir Ezzor, killing “a large number of fighters”, Moscow added. Conducting its bombing raids from Iran will dramatically cut the time it takes Moscow's long-range bombers to reach Syria. Iran is Assad's main regional ally and has provided steady military, financial, and political support to the regime. Fighting for Aleppo has intensified after regime troops seized control of the last supply route into rebel-held areas in mid-July.

Source: Sunday Times August 16, 2016 10:07 UTC