Russian lieutenant-general killed in ISIS shelling in Syria

Moscow [Russia], Sep 25 (ANI): A Russian Lieutenant-General was killed in a shelling launched by the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists near the city of Deir al-Zour in northeastern Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said Sunday.

"As a result of a sudden mortar shelling by IS militants, Lieutenant-General Valery Asapov was fatally wounded by an exploding shell," reported Xinhua, quoting the MoD.

Asapov has been described as one of the senior Russian military advisers in Syria. In recognition of his services, the late Lieutenant-General will be honoured with a posthumous state decoration.

The Defence officials in August stated that 34 Russian servicemen were killed in Syria since the start of the Russian military campaign there in 2015, said the reports.

Earlier in September, the Defence Ministry announced death of two more Russian servicemen in ISIS shelling in Syria.

After Asapov's demise, overall death toll of Russian servicemen in Syria rises to 37, added the reports. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI