BBC wrote:Russia has begun carrying out air strikes in Syria against opponents of President Bashar al-Assad.
The strikes reportedly hit rebel-controlled areas of Homs and Hama provinces, causing casualties.
The US says it was informed an hour before they took place.
Russian defence officials say aircraft targeted the Islamic State group, but an unnamed US official told Reuters that so far they did not appear to be targeting IS-held territory.
The upper house of the Russian parliament granted President Vladimir Putin permission to deploy the Russian air force in Syria.
The Russian defence ministry said the country's air force had targeted IS military equipment, communication facilities, arms depots, ammunition and fuel supplies.
Syrian opposition activists said Russian warplanes had hit towns including Zafaraneh, Rastan ands Talbiseh, resulting in the deaths of 36 people, a number of them children.
None of the areas targeted were controlled by IS, activists said.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34399164
So, what implications does this have?
Not surprised in the least. Russia clearly is desperate to hold onto their last ally in the region. I wouldn't be surprised if they intervene on the ground in the near future.
Not that they'd admit to it when they did.
