Russian Federation military chief discusses Syria ‘coordination’ with French counterpart

Warren’s remarks went in line with Pentagon’s stance since Russia started its own air campaign in Syria on September 30, accusing the Russian military of targeting Syrian rebels who opposed the Syrian government rather than IS targets.

Valery Gerasimov and Pierre de Villiers “discussed on the phone the coordination of military troops’ actions against IS terrorists in Syria”, the Russian defence ministry said in a statement, adding that the conversation lasted an hour. They joined Russian war planes based at the Hemeimeem air base in Syria’s province of Latakia.

“In just the first few days, our aviation has destroyed 500 fuel tanker trucks, which greatly reduced illegal oil export capabilities of the militants and, accordingly, their income from oil smuggling”, Kartapolov stressed.

Russian Federation for a second day running sent long-distance bombers to attack targets in the IS-held Raqa and Deir Ezzor provinces.

“The air strikes have destroyed the headquarters, three depots with oil, lubricants and ammunition; a plant for the production of explosive devices; a command center, a workshop for the production and repairs of mortar launchers and an oil pumping station”, General Kartapolov said.

“Under the Russian president’s decree, the General Staff is working out joint anti-terrorism operations with the French Navy”, says Colonel-General Andrey Kartapolov of Russia’s General Staff, according to state news outlet Tass. The call followed Putin’s order to the military to co-operate with the French “like with allies”.

Earlier Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius told France Inter radio “We think they are honest and we must bring together all our forces” and Russia’s Sergei Lavrov said Moscow could work with the US-led anti-IS coalition as long as it respects Syria’s sovereignty.

French President Francois Hollande will visit Washington and Moscow next week for talks on pooling US, Russian and French efforts against IS.