Long-range Tu-22 bombers had launched the new air offensive with bombing runs Tuesday from Nojeh before flying back to a Russian base. Under an agreement to “deconflict” flights over Syria, Russian authorities had notified the American military in advance, U.S. officials said. Iranian officials have said major components of the system have been delivered. Moscow has both an air and a naval base in Syria, its only foothold in the Middle East. Moscow and Tehran were quick to dispute any violation, arguing that the Russian aircraft were not used within Iran.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 18, 2016 22:40 UTC