Russia bombards Raqqa, ISISheadquarters in Syria
(CNN)A U.S. defense official says Russia has conducted a "significant
number of strikes" in Raqqa in northern Syria in the past several hours.
The terrorist group ISIS, which has claimed responsibility for downing a plane
bound for Russia in Sinai, Egypt, last month, has made its Syrian
headquarters in Raqqa.
"We are aware that over the past several hours, Russia conducted
a significant number of strikes in Raqqa, some of which may have included
sea-launched cruise missiles and long-range bombers," the official said.
"While we do not coordinate or collaborate in any way with Russia on its
activities in Syria, I can confirm that the Russians did provide us notice
prior to conducting these strikes, via the Coalition Combined Air Operations
Center in Qatar, in accordance with the safety protocols agreed to in
October," the official said.
The notification is meant to help prevent accidents. The official said
the Russian strikes are not affecting coalition operations against ISIS in any
way.