Russia 'borrows' Iranian skies to launch airstrikes in Syria

(Baonghean.vn) - An Iranian official said on February 11 that Russian fighter jets are once again using Iran's airspace to conduct airstrikes on neighboring Syria.

Illustration photo: Reuters.

Russian aircraft first used the Iranian military base to conduct airstrikes on Syrian territory in August last year. At the time, the Russian military announced that its aircraft had temporarily completed their operations, but left open the possibility of continuing to use Hamadan air base if the need arose.

Iran's foreign minister later said that Russia had stopped using the base to launch strikes in Syria, abruptly halting its military deployment, amid criticism from the US and some Iranian lawmakers.

Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran's National Security Council and Tehran's coordinator for political, security and military actions with Russia, said on February 11: "The fact is that Russian bombers continue to use Iranian airspace because we have comprehensive strategic cooperation with Russia."

“Russia’s use of Iranian skies is a joint decision of both sides, taking into account the need to combat terrorism,” Shamkhani added.

According to DW, Iran and Russia are cooperating on the Syrian issue and providing political, financial and military support to the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The Tehran government has sent military advisers and volunteers to support the Syrian army in its fight against rebels and jihadist gangs.

Phu Binh

(According to Reuters, AFP)