Russia has permanent air base in Syria, troops to remain indefinitely
Russia uses helicopters in the operation against the IS in Syria
![Russia uses helicopters in the operation against the IS in Syria](https://middleeastobserver.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/5614a463c3618855658b4571.jpg)
Pilots by a Russian cargo and assault MI-8AMShT helicopter at the Hmeimim air base in Syria. Dmitriy Vinogradov/RIA Novosti