The Russians are in Syria First photographs from Moscow's launching pad in Latakia

On September 30, Russia launched a bombing campaign in Syria. Moscow's stated aim is aiding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the war against ISIL, though Russian aircraft have largely attacked areas under the control of the anti-Assad Syrian opposition, where there are few or no ISIL forces. The United States warns Russia that attacking the rebels will only prolong the conflict, which has raged for more than four years already. Though Moscow's airstrikes are already entering their sixth day, photographs from the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia, the launching pad for Russian bombers, are only emerging now. Meduza presents some of these first images.

Technicians walk past Russian Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot ground-attack planes at Syria's Khmeimim airbase. October 1, 2015.

Technicians service a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer tactical bomber at Khmeimim airbase. October 1, 2015.

Technicians service a Russian airplane at Khmeimim airbase. October 1, 2015.

Two Russian Sukhoi Su-24 jets at Khmeimim airbase. October 3, 2015.

Russian pilots accept a ready report from a mechanics commander before taking off from Khmeimim airbase. October 4, 2015.

Russian Sukhoi Su-34 fighter jet pilots at Khmeimim airbase. October 4, 2015.

Russian pilots near a Su-24 aircraft, before taking off from Khmeimim airbase. October 4, 2015.

Russian pilots near a Su-24 aircraft before a mission. Khmeimim airbase. October 4, 2015.

A pilot of a Russian aircraft at Khmeimim airbase. October 4, 2015.

Russia's Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft at Khmeimim airbase. October 4, 2015.

Russian Su-25 aircraft take off from Khmeimim airbase in Syria. October 4, 2015.

A Russian IL-76 transport aircraft prepares for takeoff from Khmeimim airbase. October 4, 2015.

Russia's Sukhoi Su-24 attack aircraft at Khmeimim airbase. October 4, 2015.

A Russian Mi-24 helicopter flies over Khmeimim airbase. October 4, 2015.

Russian Su-24s take off from Hmeimim base. October 3, 2015.