Russia, US hold online dialogue on air strikes in Syria

An unnamed US Defense Department official said the US and Russian militaries held an online dialogue at 10 p.m. on October 1 (Vietnam time) to seek solutions to avoid clashes while the two countries are conducting separate air strikes against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization in Syria.

Russian air strikes hit IS ground targets in a mountainous area in Syria on September 30. (Photo: Reuters/VNA)

According to the official, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Elissa Slotkin will represent the Pentagon in the televised dialogue.

Meanwhile, on the same day, RIA Novosti news agency quoted a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry saying that Moscow will consider any proposal from the Iraqi government regarding airstrikes against the IS group.

The Russian Defense Ministry also officially announced that the country has sent more than 50 fighter jets and helicopters, along with marines, paratroopers and special forces units to Syria to support President Bashar Al Assad's government against IS.

Speaking to Interfax news agency, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov stated: "More than 50 Russian Air Force fighter jets and helicopters are attacking IS targets in Syria."

Marines, paratroopers and special forces units will be mobilized to protect Russian military assets, Konashenkov said.

Russia has also expanded its naval base in the port city of Tartus and established a military base in the Syrian city of Latakia.

Meanwhile, the spokesman for the US-backed rebel group Suqur al-Jabal, Mr. Mustafa Halabi, confirmed that Russian warplanes fired missiles at a training camp of this group in Idlib province, northwestern Syria on the same day./.

According to Vietnam+