Russian and American aircraft have destroyed hundreds of Islamic State oil tanker lorries and hit installations as both countries step up campaigns against the Isis oil-smuggling network in northern Syria.
Amid growing signs of collaboration against Isis between Russian, French and US forces, Moscow said yesterday that its Tu-22 long-range bombers had launched 12 cruise missiles and bombing raids against Isis oil facilities and ammunition depots.
Russia’s defence ministry said that its aircraft had blasted 500 oil transporter lorries in a series of attacks after announcing that its aircraft would begin “hunting down” the Isis oil infrastructure.
The attacks came as President Assad, in a defiant interview, blamed Tony Blair and the West for the rise of Isis. The Syrian leader insisted that his country