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Moscow informs the US that air strikes against ISIL by Russia, Syria, Iraq, and Iran have already begun

Source: Interfax

Syrian pilots flying Russian military aircraft have begun air strikes against ISIL targets inside Syria, according to Russian Defense Ministry officials. The attacks are being coordinated out of a new information center in Bagdad that brings together military personnel from Russia, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. 

Moscow says it is in contact with US officials in Bagdad, and is providing the Americans with information about the air strikes now being carried out.

The new coordination center in Bagdad uses satellite imagery, radio intercepts, and drone surveillance to target and then attack ISIL forces. Moscow says it is represented in Bagdad by an unnamed general from its Joint Chiefs.

Russia's participation in the Bagdad coordination center was announced in late September 2015. 

On September 30, Russia's Senate unanimously authorized President Putin to use military force to aid Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who formally requested Russian assistance. Kremlin officials say Moscow will limit its assistance to air strikes, ruling out ground operations.

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