Tupolev Tu-22M Strategic Bomber
Six long-range supersonic Tupolev Tu-22M3 strategic bombers from the Russian territory hit ISIS targets in the Syrian province of Deir Ezzor, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on January 21.
The bombers destroyed ISIS camps, weapon depots and military equipment.
“On January 21, 2017, six long-range Tu-22M3 bombers took off in Russia and delivered a group air attack against Daesh targets in the Deir ez-Zor province… Intelligence data confirms that the targets were successfully hit,” the statement reads.
Russian Su-30SM and Su-35S fighter jets scrambled from the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria, providing air cover to the Tu-22M3 bombers.
The strategic bombers conduct airstrikes against ISIS terrorists in Deir Ezzor amind heavy clashes between government troops and terrorists in the city.
Since yesterday, the army has launched a number of counter-attacks aimed retake points from ISIS units and to link up the Deir Ezzor Airport with the rest of the government-held pocket. However, government forces were unable to secure the gains and retreated to the previous positions.
