Russia has launched air strikes in Syria for a second day, saying that Islamic State (IS) had been targeted. The defence ministry said its jets had destroyed an IS ammunition depot and control centres. However, the areas reportedly attacked appeared to be held by groups opposed to IS and the Syrian government. The US and its allies fears the strikes have been targeting non-IS opponents of Russia's ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - a claim denied by Moscow.

The latest attacks reportedly hit sites in the north-west held by the Army of Conquest rebel alliance, as well as areas in Homs and Hama provinces. They reportedly hit areas near the strategic town of Jisr al-Shughour, as well as areas in Idlib province and Hama province further south, according to Lebanon's al-Mayadeen TV.

Rebel activists also reported strikes at Ghantu in Homs province, close to where some of Wednesday's strikes hit. Russia said that it had hit 12 IS positions in the past 24 hours, although this cannot be independently verified. The Syrian government's army may not be what it was, but in local terms it is still a force to be reckoned with. Bolstered with new Russian equipment and now backed by Russian air power, it could hold its own against most of the opposition forces. Russia does not have the elaborate intelligence gathering panoply of the US. But much of its targeting will be based upon tactical intelligence obtained from Syrian units on the ground. This then is the key to Russia's strategy. It is to consolidate the Assad regime, to relieve the pressure points and to ensure that its ally remains a factor in any future diplomatic settlement. To this end - and there are strong indications of this even from Russia's initial air strikes - Moscow will hit any opponents of the Syrian regime where necessary.