Russian warships begin attacking targets in Syria, Russian Defense Minister says US and Turkey are necessary to victory

Russian warships fired 26 rockets at 11 targets in Syria today, according to a statement by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who says all targets were ISIL positions. Four vessels in the Russian Navy's Caspian fleet took part in the operation, Shoigu explained in a presentation to President Vladimir Putin. 

Russian airstrikes in Syria have been underway since September 30, targeting both ISIL positions and areas under the control of rebels fighting against the government of Bashar al-Assad. According to Shoigu's report, Russian planes have destroyed 19 ISIL bases, 12 weapons and ammunition depots, and 71 armored vehicles. On October 7, Shoigu says, in addition to attacks launched by Russian warships, 23 Russian aircraft will carry out airstrikes in Syria. Today marks the first time Moscow has revealed the use of its naval forces in Syria.

Defense Minister Shoigu stressed that victory against ISIL is impossible without the support of the United States and Turkey.

On September 30, following a unanimous vote by the Federation Assembly to authorize the use of Russia's armed forces abroad, Moscow launched air strikes against targets inside Syria. The Russian Air Force has carried out attacks every day since.