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Russian combat jets seen taking off from base in western Syria, heading for missions

Associated Press
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Russian Su-25 jets takes off for a mission from Hemeimeem airbase, Syria, on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015. Since early morning, Russian combat jets have been taking off from this base in western Syria, heading for missions. (AP Photo/Vladimir Kondrashov) 2 (The Associated Press)

A Russian pilot walks from his Su-30 jet in the background at Hemeimeem airbase, Syria, on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015. Since early morning, Russian combat jets have been taking off from this base in western Syria, heading for missions. (AP Photo/Vladimir Isachenkov) (The Associated Press)

Russian pilots walk to their Su-30 jet at Hemeimeem airbase, Syria, on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015. Since early morning, Russian combat jets have been taking off from this base in western Syria, heading for missions. (AP Photo/Vladimir Isachenkov) (The Associated Press)

Since early morning, Russian combat jets have been taking off from this base in western Syria, heading for missions.

Dozens of jets could be seen parked around the big base Thursday. The base near Latakia is protected by air defense systems, which could be seen deployed around its edges

The Russian servicemen at the base wear crisp desert-style uniforms.