Russian bombers hit IS targets in eastern Syria

BEIRUT – The Russian military says its bombers have struck Islamic State positions in eastern Syria in the third such raid in four days.

The Defense Ministry said that six Tu-22M3 bombers flew from their base in Russia to strike IS facilities in the province of Deir el-Zour on Tuesday. It said they successfully hit all designated targets, including an ammunition factory, arms and ammunition depots, and weapons locations.

Russian bombers also flew similar missions Saturday and Monday.

The raids came as Syrian government troops in Deir el-Zour found themselves in an increasingly desperate situation, cut in half in an ongoing IS offensive.

Russia has conducted an air campaign in Syria since September 2015, helping Syrian government forces to reverse the tide of the nearly six-year conflict.