The conflict has also revealed Russian capabilities in modern warfare tactics including drone use, precision strikes and cruise missile launches. Over 100 strikes have been delivered by the Russian military so far.
September 30: First Strike
The first strike was revealed in a short YouTube video showing bunker-buster bombs being fired at underground targets. The videos also caused some confusion as the viewfinder on the drone tracking the explosion was not focused on where the bombs were aimed.
October 2
#SYRIA Two bunkers with command centres and depots at #HAMAH engaged by #Su25’s. Munitions detonated and caused total destruction
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) October 2, 2015
Moderate bombings continued for several days, with targeted strikes on munitions warehouses and factories, as well as underground bases.
October 3
#SYRIA Precise drop of concrete-piercing bomb by #Su34 destroyed hardened #ISIS HQ @ #Raqqah https://t.co/iMnHLt5k1u pic.twitter.com/dCQKc4tnda
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) October 3, 2015
#SYRIA #Kartapolov: By the way, american colleagues informed us that there was nobody but terrorists in the district
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) October 3, 2015
Attacks on ISIL command posts and headquarters in the group's "capital" in Syria's Raqqah. On the same day, the Russian military began active negotiations with its US counterparts regarding prospects for intelligence sharing.
#Kartapolov: While notifying we've recommended our colleagues to withdraw from #SYRIA valuable individuals trained with u.s.taxpayers money
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) October 3, 2015
October 5: ISIL Vehicle Elimination
#SYRIA: 6 airstrikes eliminated about 30 #ISIS militants’ military vehicles incl.tanks https://t.co/dLerPdAekV pic.twitter.com/Nwr83SqPI4
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) October 5, 2015
On October 5, Russia continued strikes against ISIL hardware and infrastructure across Syria
October 7: Cruise Missile Launch
#SYRIA Cruise missile #Kalibr successfully hit all assigned #ISIS targets with high accuracy http://t.co/aSTdrTWNgW pic.twitter.com/1Pa21a2EQr
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) October 7, 2015
The launch was paired with the beginning of a massive Syrian military operation against terrorist forces in Hama province, advancing north toward Idleb.
