US-led coalition forces are meanwhile seeking to help local groups regain territory seized by IS fighters. Russian planes carry out air raids from Hmeimim, as well as from Russia. There are also Russian forces on the ground, including special forces. Toll counts by non-governmental groups show that Russian strikes have indeed been far deadlier for civilians than American ones. Russian air strikes have killed nearly 3,000 civilians in Syria since October 2015, according to Britain-based Airwars.

Source: Bangkok Post September 11, 2016 00:45 UTC