The Latest: Russia announces major offensive in Syria
BEIRUT — The Latest on the conflict in Syria (all times local):
1:45 p.m.
Russia’s defense minister says the air force has launched a major operation on the Syrian provinces of Idlib and Homs, while Syrian activists report the resumption of airstrikes on rebel-held eastern Aleppo.
Sergei Shoigu said in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that the operation involves aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, which made a much-publicized trip from Russia to Syria’s shores last month.