War Against IS: Russian warplanes delivered to Iraq — ministry

The new Sukhoi Su-25 warplanes will give additional advantage to the Iraqi army in the fight against terrorist groups

A new batch of Russia’s Sukhoi Su-25 strike fighters has been delivered to Iraq, spokesman for the Iraqi Defense Ministry Nasir Nouri Mohammed al-Tamimi said on Monday.


According to him, "a batch of Su-25 (three aircraft) has arrived in Iraq in accordance with the contract signed with the Russian side." 

The Iraqi defense spokesman also said that the attack aircraft would enter service in the near future. 

According to him, this will give additional advantage to the Iraqi army in the fight against terrorist groups, including the Islamic State (terrorist group banned in Russia).

Russia rejects criticism of air strikes in Syria, Iraq welcomes air strikes

Lavrov says operations targeting "ISIL and other terrorist groups", with announcement of raids in two Syrian provinces.

Russia's foreign minister has defended Russia's military operations in Syria after it came under international criticism during a news conference at the UN headquarters in New York.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Sergey Lavrov said the goal of the Russian military operation was in response to the request of President Bashar al-Assad and on the basis of the decision granted by the Russian parliament with the Russian president and in accordance with the Russian constitution.

Russian warplanes backing Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad bombed rebel groups for a second day Thursday as reports suggested Iran is sending combat troops to support the embattled regime in Damascus.