Russia uses Iran Base in Syria strikes

Russia has opened up a new front in the Syria conflict by using a base in Iran to launch its airstrikes.
It’s the first time Moscow has struck targets inside Syria from a third country.

The long-range bombers took off from Hamedan in north west Iran and reportedly hit Aleppo along with Idlib and Deir al-Zour provinces.

“This marks the first time that Russia has based out of Iran and marks an escalation in terms of the fight in Syria. I think this kind of brinkmanship is trying to force the Obama administration into a settlement in Syria before the next president comes to power, and the Russians believe that the next president, particularly if it’s Hillary Clinton, will be much more aggressive militarily in places like Syria,” said Andrew Tabler, senior fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

The UK based Syrian Observatory for Human rights says heavy air strikes on Tuesday hit many targets in an around Aleppo killing dozens.

Moscow has close ties with Iran which in turn is a firm ally of President Bashar al-Assad and has provided the Syrian president with significant military and financial support.