Russian Airstrike in Syria Wounds Jabhat al-Nusra Commander, Kills 65 Terrorists

Russian Forces in Syria have bombed a meeting of the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group, severely wounded its leader and killing some 65 terrorists including 12 commanders, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Major-General Igor Konashenkov said on Wednesday.

"On October 3, the Russian military intelligence found out the time and venue of the Jabhat al-Nusra leaders’ meeting led by the group’s leader, Abu Muhammad al-Julani. The Sukhoi Su-34 and Su-35 planes from Russia’s aircraft alert force in Syria were assigned to hit the target," he said in comments quoted by the Russian media.

"After the attack, Jabhat al-Nusra leader, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, sustained multiple heavy shrapnel wounds and, having lost his arm, according to several independent sources, is in critical condition. Along with numerous (about 50 people) body guards, twelve Jabhat al-Nusra field commanders, including al-Julani’s closest assistant, head of the group’s security service Ahmad al-Ghizai, have been killed," Konashenkov said.

Russia has stepped up its air strikes and ground offensive in conjunction with the Syrian Army following the death of a high ranking general and a colonel in mortar attacks by terrorist organizations aligned with anti-Assad forces.

The Al-Nusra group has also been attacked by US Forces fighting the Islamic State terrorists.