Syria: Russian troops awarded military honours on Defender of the Fatherland Day

Russian soldiers stationed in Hmeymim Air Base in Latakia, were awarded medals and military honours on Defender of the Fatherland Day, Tuesday.
During the ceremony, Russian fighter jets flew over the base while a band played military anthems. Soldiers also watched a televised speech by Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu who thanked the soldiers for their efforts.
Russia launched its military air campaign in Syria on September 30 against militant groups after the Syrian Government officially requested its aid due to the critical situation of the country's civil war.
Defender of the Fatherland Day is celebrated in many Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and honours the men and women who have served their country.