Russian military forces reportedly carried out joint operations in Syria with the Iranian-backed terror organization Hezbollah, according to regional media reports that further highlight Tehran's increased efforts to combat U.S.-aligned forces in the country and those opposing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The Russian air force provided cover for Hezbollah forces during a "large scale" operation in Syria's contested Homs province, according to reports in Iran's state-controlled media that quoted "military sources."
"Russian warplanes kept pounding the movements and gatherings of the terrorists in the region," according to Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency. "Russian helicopters played a crucial role in supporting the Syrian soldiers on the frontlines, while the Russian bombers carried out several rounds of combat sorties on ISIL's supply routes preventing them from deploying reinforcements."
Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces have additionally stepped up efforts in recent weeks to target U.S. coalition forces operating in the war torn country. Hezbollah has vowed to attack American forces, which recently were attacked by an Iranian-controlled drone.