Russian Airstrikes in Syria: January 12 - 19, 2016
January 20, 2016 - Genevieve Casagrande![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/Russian%20Airstrikes%2012-19%20JAN-01_0.png?itok=RRtDPxf5)
Russian air operations shifted eastward on January 18-19, targeting ISIS-held terrain in Homs, ar-Raqqa and Deir ez-Zour Provinces following a major attack on Deir ez-Zour City by ISIS. ISIS launched an offensive against regime positions on the northwestern outskirts of Deir ez-Zour on January 17, seizing two villages and several military installations under the cover of a major sandstorm that reportedly grounded both regime and Russian aircraft.