Russia begins air strikes in Syria, U.S. official says

Russia has launched airstrikes in Syria, a U.S. defence official says, apparently aimed at rebel strongholds near Homs.

The move follows a unanimous vote by Russian lawmakers to allow President Vladimir Putin to order airstrikes in Syria, where Russia has deployed fighter jets and other weapons in recent weeks.

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The Russian defence ministry says target include military equipment, communications and arms depots, Reuters reported.

The U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to discuss the airstrikes publicly, said they were launched Wednesday near Homs.

Russia recently moved fighter aircraft to an airbase south of the Syrian coastal city of Latakia.

U.S. officials had said in recent days that the Russians were flying reconnaissance missions without dropping bombs to familiarize themselves within the area. That was taken as an indication that they were about to begin airstrikes.

Earlier Wednesday, the upper house of the Russian parliament gave President Vladimir Putin approval to use the air force in Syria, according to state media.

"The Federation Council unanimously supported the president's request 162 votes in favor of granting permission," ITAR-Tass reported Kremlin chief of staff Sergey Ivanov saying.