Russian Defence Ministry said on Tuesday that Russian warplanes have taken off from a base in Iran to target Islamic State (ISIS / Daesh / ISIL) fighters in Syria.

Currently, the strategic TU-22M3 bombers take flight from southern Russia at Modzok airfield; however, this newly signed military agreement with Iran will allow Russia to reduce flight time by 60%, saving the Kremlin both money and improving airstrike effectiveness.

The announcement marks a major development in the efforts against the terrorist militant group.

Russia has never used the territory of another country in the Middle East except Syria for its operations inside Syria before this.

The ministry's statement said Su-34 and Tu-22M3 bombers took off earlier in the day to target Islamic State and the Nusra Front militants in Aleppo, as well as in Deir el-Zor and Idlib, destroying five major ammunition depots, training camps and three command posts.

It also released a video showing Tu-22M3 bombers dropping bombs it said were targeting IS in Syria. Russia and Iran have been expanding their ties in the past months after most of the sanctions against Iran were lifted.

The distance of these flights equal roughly 2,150km to reach a target near Palmyra. In comparison, the Hamedan Air Base in Iran is roughly 900km from Palmyra.

No Iranian official has confirmed this claim till now.

S/SH 11