Six Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers have launched airstrikes on IS targets in Syria's city of Deir ez-Zor, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Axar.az reports that, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the Tu-22M3 long-range bombers took off from an airfield in Russia and flew over the territory of Iraq and Iran.

"On January 23, 2017, six long-range Tu-22M3 bombers that took off from a Russian airfield and flew over Iraq and Iran carried out airstrikes on IS's command posts, arms and ammunition depots near Deir Ez-Zor populated area."

The ministry added that all targets have been destroyed. "Su-30SM and Su-35S provided air cover to the Russian bombers from the Hmeymim airbase."

After successfully completing their combat mission in Syria, the Russian jets returned to Russia.

On Saturday, Russian strategic bombers also targeted IS positions in Deir ez-Zor.