Russian military, backed by army air force, continuing patrols in northern Syria
ALEPPO. Dec 12 (Interfax) - Russian military pilots are continuing patrols in northern Syria, backing Russian military police units which are patrolling roads in Aleppo.
Russian air force planes are accompanying military police convoys and staff of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria on their way to humanitarian aid distribution points, a Russian Aerospace Forces pilot told reporters.
"Prime attention is being given to the movement of convoys of special-purpose hardware and groups of people. Patrols are being conducted at minimum altitudes at a speed of up to 200 kilometers per hour," he said.
Mil Mi-8 and Mi-35 helicopters are also accompanying employees of the Russian Center for Reconciliation on their way to humanitarian aid distribution points in order to prevent any possible provocations and maintain peace on the ground from the air.
Such daily aerial patrols take place under a Russian-Turkish memorandum of mutual understanding signed in Sochi on October 22, 2019.