Russia forces in Syria say Israeli jets attacked research facility

Russia forces based in Syria on Friday said four Israeli jets had launched a total of four cruise missiles and 16 guided aerial bombs against a research facility in the city of Masyaf on Thursday, Russian agencies reported.

Syrian troops using Russian-made anti-aircraft weapons shot down two missiles and seven guided bombs, Tass and RIA said, quoting a senior Russian officer. The attacks damaged equipment at the facility; he said.

According to local media, the bombardment ignited fires in the woods near targeted area. No casualties were reported, however Syrian state TV said several were wounded and taken to hospital for treatment.

Russian forces have remained in Syria since 2015 when they helped turn the tide in a civil war in favour of President Bashar al-Assad.

For several years, Israel has been mounting attacks on what it has described as Iranian-linked targets in Syria, where Tehran-backed forces, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, have deployed to help Assad fight anti-government forces.