Video by Andrius Nekrashas

Russian Sukhoi fighter jets lifted off from Hmeymim airbase in Latakia, Thursday, to continue their military campaign against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL) and the al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front across Syria. Sukhoi Su-24, Su-25, Su-34 and Su-35 fighter jets were among the aircraft deployed on combat sorties on Thursday. This week, hundreds of square kilometres were recaptured from militant groups after joint operations involving Syrian ground forces and Russian Air Force assis