Reuters: Four-fifths of Russia's Syria strikes don't target Islamic State: Reuters analysis
Almost 80 percent of Russia's declared targets in Syria have been in areas not held by Islamic State, a Reuters analysis of Russian Defence Ministry data shows, undermining Moscow's assertions that its aim is to defeat the group.
The majority of strikes, according to the analysis, have instead been in areas held by other groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which include al Qaeda offshoots but also fighters backed by Washington and its allies.
Defence ministry statements of targets hit by the Russian Air Force and an online archive of Russian military maps show Russia has hit 64 named locations since President Vladimir Putin ordered the first round of air strikes three weeks ago.
Syria War News Updates -- October 21, 2015
Russian planes hit 83 IS targets in Syria over past 24 hours — Defense Ministry -- TASS
Russian Warplanes Destroy 83 ISIL Targets in Syria -- Sputnik
Russia says flew 46 sorties, hit 83 militant targets in Syria -- Reuters
Russian 'strikes 83 targets' in Syria in 24 hours -- AFP
Tens of thousands flee Aleppo following latest wave of airstrikes in Syria -- AFP
50,000 Syrian refugees heading to Turkey, sources say -- Daily Hurriyet News
Russia Makes an Impact in Syrian Battle for Control of Aleppo -- New York Times
13 dead as Russia strike hits Syria field hospital -- AFP
Russian Defense Ministry denies death of Russian servicemen in Syria -- TASS
Syrian army denies Russian ground forces fighting in Syria -- Reuters
Iran sending more advisers to Syria to defeat 'terrorism', says deputy minister -- The Guardian
Report: High-Ranking Iranian Military Men Killed in Syria -- Algemeiner
Russia to continue rendering assistance to Syria to prevent IS spread — defense minister -- TASS
The US and Russia are finally working together in Syria—but only to prevent dangerous air clashes -- Quartz
New air safety rules over Syria -- DW
Town joins Kurdish-led order in Syria, widening sway at Turkish border -- Reuters
Qatar is looking for alternatives in Syria -- Middle East Monitor
Qatar says could intervene militarily in Syria but prefers political solution -- Reuters
The Latest: Hollande renews call for removing Assad -- AP
Photos: Syria's Ongoing Civil War -- US News and World Report