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Russian missiles 'hit IS in Syria from Caspian' Russian missiles 'hit IS in Syria from Caspian Sea'
(about 1 hour later)
Russia has launched rocket strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria from its warships in the Caspian Sea, 1,500km (932 miles) away, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu says. Russia says it has launched rocket strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria from its warships in the Caspian Sea - about 1,500km (932 miles) away.
He said four warships launched 26 sea-based cruise missiles on 11 targets, destroying them. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said four warships fired 26 sea-based cruise missiles on 11 targets, destroying them.
Meanwhile, Syrian ground troops have launched an offensive under Russian air cover, Syrian officials say.Meanwhile, Syrian ground troops have launched an offensive under Russian air cover, Syrian officials say.
Russia denies claims that its week-long strikes mainly hit non-IS targets. Russia denies claims that its week of strikes have mainly hit non-IS targets.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported "the most intense fighting in months" in Hama and Idlib provinces. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported "the most intense fighting in months" in Hama and Idlib provinces. The clashes followed a wave of Russian air strikes in the same areas, it said.
The clashes followed a wave of Russian air strikes in the same areas, it said.
It appears to be the first co-ordinated offensive since the air campaign by Russia - a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - began on 30 September.It appears to be the first co-ordinated offensive since the air campaign by Russia - a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - began on 30 September.
Russia says it is targeting "all terrorists", but at least some of its air strikes have reportedly hit civilians and Western-backed rebels.Russia says it is targeting "all terrorists", but at least some of its air strikes have reportedly hit civilians and Western-backed rebels.
High-stakes gamble - Jonathan Marcus says Russia's two Turkish incursions highlight the risk of a potential clash
What can Russia's air force achieve? Why should Russia do any better than the US-led coalition?
During a televised meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr Shoigu said the four ships launched the missiles on Wednesday morning.
The minister said all the targets - including command and control centres and ammunition depots - had been destroyed and that there had been no damage to civilian installations.
President Putin praised the Russian military, saying the armed forces were "well prepared".
Mr Shoigu said 112 targets had been hit since the Russian bombing began, adding that Moscow had "established contacts with out Turkish partners".
This comes after Russia's ambassador to Ankara was summoned three times in response to recent violations of Turkey's airspace.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Russia that any "attack on Turkey means an attack on Nato", referring to the alliance's collective defence doctrine, which commits all members to protect one another.
Russia's Caspian fleet