MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On September 30, 2015, Russia launched an aerial anti-terrorist campaign in conflict-torn Syria at the request of President Bashar Assad.
"I am convinced that as long as Russia has such defenders, it can confidently look into the future. We are proud of you. In order to celebrate the holiday I signed the order on extraordinary military ranks, as well as on the awarding," Shoigu said.
He added that Russian military in Syria demonstrated high professionalism and mastery of weapons, as well as courage, bravery and loyalty to military traditions.
The Russian General Staff cited its estimates in mid-January that suggest the Russian forces carried out over 5,600 sorties in the first 100 days of the Syria operation, destroying thousands of terrorist targets, including several hundred militants, dozens of command centers and depots.
