June 07, 2022 – 17:06
The ministry said two Russian SU-35 fighters and six Syrian MiG-23 and MiG-29 fighters simulated a clash with “hostile” planes and drones.
apricot — The Russian Air Force and Syria They conducted a joint exercise over the Arab country on Tuesday, the first since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine more than three months ago, the Syrian Defense Ministry said.
The ministry said two Russian SU-35 fighters and six Syrian MiG-23 and MiG-29 fighters simulated a clash with planes and “hostile” drones. Syrian pilots dealt with the aircraft with cover and support from Russian planes, he said.
“All illusory targets were monitored and completely destroyed, while air targets were hit for the first time at night,” the ministry said in a statement. It also released video of the planes it said took part in the drill.
The announcement came hours following Syrian television reported the launch of missiles Israelis once morest Syrian positions south of Damascus, causing material damage, but without casualties.
Israeli warplanes fired several missiles while flying over the Israeli-occupied Syrian territory in the Golan Heights, Syrian state television said, citing an anonymous military source. Syrian air defenses shot down most of the missiles.
Israel did not comment on the attack.
Russia became militarily involved in Syria in September 2015, helping to tilt the conflict in favor of the forces of dictator Bashar Assad. Around half a million people have died during the 11-year civil war in Syria.
The Syrian Defense Ministry said that during exercises on Tuesday, Russian and Syrian planes conducted joint patrols near the Golan Heights and other parts of the south.
The last such exercise had been a week before Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine. In mid-February, Russian forces deployed state-of-the-art nuclear-capable bombers and warplanes with hypersonic missiles to Syria for huge naval exercises in the Mediterranean.
FUENTE: With AP information
