Russian Military has stepped up its presence in Syria in order to tackle the treat of ISIS, with Russia’s Federation Council giving President Vladimir Putin the OK to use the Russian air force in Syria, state media reported.

According to Kremlin Chief of Staff Sergey Ivanov ,”The Federation Council unanimously supported the president’s request – 162 votes in favor of granting permission,”

Ivanov further added that the the vote came following a request by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for military assistance in fighting ISIS

Putin has ordered his forces step up and subsequently brought in 28 fighter aircraft and thousands of soldiers to the war-torn Middle East country to support the Assad regime.

The move puts Russia pitted against the, US-led coalition who brought military action against the Syrian Government.

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