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Russian bombers hit IS positions in Raqqah - Min.

MOSCOW, Feb 17 (KUNA) -- Russian long-range Tupolev-95 bombers launched raids on so-called Islamic State (IS) positions in the Syrian city of Raqqah, the ministry of defense said Friday.
The bombers flew via Iranian and Iraqi airspace to attack IS positions in Raqqah and destroyed training camps and command centers, the ministry added in a statement.
Sukhoi 30 and Sukhoi 25 fighter jets provided protection for the strategic bombers during their mission, it said. The long-range bombers returned to base following their mission.
Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said Moscow insisted on participation of armed groups that attended the Astana talks, in the forthcoming Geneva meetings.
Gatilov was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying that this position was conveyed to Staffan de Mistura, the UN's Syria envoy, during a meeting in Moscow yesterday.
He also called for participation of the Kurdish groups in the negotiations in Geneva. (end) as.bs