Syrian and Russian air forces conduct joint drill over Syria

By ALBERT AJI
Associated Press

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syria’s Defense Ministry says the air forces of Russia and Syria have conducted a joint drill over the war-torn country. It says Tuesday’s exercise was the first since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began more than three months ago. The ministry said two Russian SU-35 fighter jets and six Syrian MiG-23 and MiG-29 aircraft simulated facing “hostile” warplanes and drones. Syrian pilots dealt with the targets with cover and support from the Russian warplanes. The announcement came hours after Syria’s state television reported that Israeli missiles targeted Syrian army positions south of the capital of Damascus, causing material damage but no casualties.