Russia's operations in Syria are aimed at supporting the Syrian army and target terrorists and extremists there, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday.
"The aim of our operations lies in providing support to the Syrian military's offensive in their struggle with terrorist and radical organizations and forces," Peskov said.
Russia's Defense Ministry said on Monday that Russia's air force had made 25 flights in Syria in the past 24 hours and hit nine Islamic State objects there.
Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25 plans took part in the strikes in the past 24 hours, it said. Air force planes hit three Islamic State objects in Homs province.
Russia is escalating Syria's civil war by targeting the moderate opposition, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Monday, comparing Moscow's effort to bolster Syrian President Bashar Assad to tethering itself to a sinking ship.
"By taking military action in Syria against moderate groups targets, Russia has escalated the civil war," Carter said in a speech during a trip to Spain.
