Russia launches its first airstrikes in Syria

Syria
(Image credit: ABD DOUMANY/AFP/Getty Images)

Hours after the Russian parliament unanimously gave President Vladimir Putin approval to use Russian troops abroad, U.S. officials confirmed Wednesday that Russia had conducted its first airstrike in Syria. The airstrike occurred near the city of Homs, a senior U.S. official told CNN. At least 27 people were killed.

Washington was informed in advance that the attacks were to take place, though they were not told the location of the planned attack ahead of time. Putin said that Russia would not carry out any ground operations in Syria and would limit its operations exclusively to airstrikes.

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