Russia began conducting airstrikes in Syria since September 30, after the Syrian government officially requested Russian aid. The Syrian Arab Army has made gains on the ground over the last fortnight as Russian airstrikes continue to target militant groups fighting against the government. During the weekend, Syrian troops reinforced their positions near the town of Quneitra in the Golan Heights, which was seized from the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Jabhat al-Nusra on Sunday.

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