SYRIA (REUTERS) - Russia's defense ministry on Tuesday (Sept 26) released video of its bomber aircraft launching cruise missiles against Islamic State targets in Syria.

The footage shows Tu-95 bombers taking off from Russia and hitting what the ministry said included IS command posts and ammunition depots in Idlib and Deir al-Zor provinces.

Russia said the air strikes were carried out at a safe distance from US-backed rebels and American troops in the region.

The video's release came a day after a rebel coalition supported by Washington claimed Russian warplanes had struck their positions in Deir al-Zor, killing one member and injuring two others.

It was denied by Russia and a monitoring group. The United States could not confirm the casualties.