Majority of Russian Strikes in Last Several Weeks Focus on Daesh

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Russian forces in Syria have been focusing their airstrikes on the Daesh terrorist group's targets in the country, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Col. Steve Warren said on Wednesday.

"In the last several week, a majority of their strikes have been more Daesh focused," Warren stated.

The Department of Defense has previously claimed that only a small fraction of Russian airstrikes prior to the cessation of hostilities in Syria had hit the Islamic State.

A US-Russia brokered cessation of hostilities took effect in Syria on February 26, with dozens of militant groups having since joining in.

However, terrorist organizations such as the Nusra Front and the Daesh, which outlawed in numerous countries, including in Russia, are excluded from the cessation of hostilities deal.

In mid-March, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to start withdrawing most of Russia's military contingent from Syria after accomplishing its objective. Russia left a minor residual force in Syria.

Warren claimed, however, that Russia’s military capabilities in Syria remain largely the same.