Russian 'Backfire' Bombers Attack Syrian Terrorist Depots From Iranian Base

Russian Tu-22M3 bombers for the first time delivered airstrikes on Islamic State terrorist weapon depots in Aleppo, Deir-ez-Zor and Idlib provinces in Syira operating from Iran’s Hamadan airbase.

Moscow and Tehran signed a military agreement allowing the Russian aircraft to be stationed at the airport in West Iran. The long range bombers with full bomb payload took off from Hamadan Airfield to attack IS and Al-Nusra Front facilities Syria, Russia Today reported Tuesday. 

The strikes have eliminated five major terrorist weapons depots and training compounds in the area as well as three command posts and a big number of terrorists, the Russian Defense Ministry was quoted as saying by the news channel. 

The long-range bombers were covered by Su-30sm and Su-35s jet fighters which took off from Russia’s Khmeimim Airbase in Syria. 

The number of military aircraft deployed at Hamadan Airbase has not been disclosed. 

Al-Masdar website was the first to publish photos of at least three Tu-22M3 bombers and Il-76 military transport jets in Iran. 

The core benefit for the Russian Air Force is a drastic reduction in flying time to terrorist targets in Syria.