Russian warplanes have begun bombarding Syrian opposition targets in the war-torn nation’s north, working on behalf of dictator Bashar al-Assad, according to a senior military official.

The official said airstrikes targeted fighters in the vicinity of Homs, located roughly 60 miles east of a Russian naval facility in Tartus, and were carried out by a “couple” of Russian bombers.

It was not clear if the strikes targeted ISIS, Al Qaeda or other forces opposed to Assad, who Moscow is aiding.  According to a Twitter handle belonging to the Syrian government, the Russian strikes were initiated at the request of Assad.

Source: Russia launches airstrikes in northern Syria, senior military official says | Fox News