(reuters) -- The air strike came after Russia's military intelligence uncovered the time and place of a meeting of the leaders of the Nusra Front, including its head Abu Mohammad al-Golani, on Oct. 3, defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashekov said in a statement.

"As a result of the strike, the Nusra Front leader, Abu Mohammad al-Golani, sustained numerous shrapnel wounds and, having lost an arm, is in a critical condition, according to information from several independent sources," Konashenkov said.

Together with around 50 guards, 12 Nusra Front field commanders were killed, he added.

(Photo: AP)