Russia can redeploy Syria force ‘in hours’

President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia can rebuild its forces in Syria “in a few hours”, if necessary, and will continue striking extremist groups.

Mr Putin, who ordered a partial withdrawal of Russian warplanes from Syria earlier this week, said that Russia has kept some forces there to support the Syrian army’s action against the Islamic State, the Nusra Front, and other extremist groups.

He said that the Russian military is ready to use its air defence missile systems in Syria “against any targets that would threaten our servicemen”.