Russian warplanes use Iran base to bomb ISIL in Syria

Russian warplanes took off from a base in Iran to launch airstrikes on the Islamic State group in Syria — the first time they have used facilities outside Russia or Syria for air operations against the extremist group.

The planes, which took off from the Hamadan air base in Iran, destroyed five armament depots, three command posts and militant training camps in Aleppo, Deir el-Zor and Idlib, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday, according to the TASS news agency.

The planes returned to the base after the bombings, it said.

Previously, Russian warplanes took off from bases within Syria and Russia to launch strikes in the war-torn country.

Russia and Iran have expanded their cooperation in recent months after most international sanctions against Iran were lifted following the deal to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.