MOSCOW - Russian air forces have begun precise airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) ground positions in Syria, Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Wednesday.

"In accordance with the decision made by President Vladimir Putin, the aircraft of Aerospace Defense Forces today started an aerial operation and carried out localized strikes against ground targets of IS in Syrian territory," Konashenkov told reporters.

"Strikes would be carried out against the military equipment, communication centers, transport vehicles, arms depots, ammunition as well as fuels and lubricant materials of IS terrorists," Interfax news agency quoted Konashenkov as saying.

He added that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has informed Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) countries of Russia's military operation in Syria.

Earlier in the day, Russia's Federation Council, the upper house of parliament, granted Putin approval to send armed forces to Syria.

Presidential Administration Chief Sergei Ivanov stressed that only air forces would be used by Russia in Syria to fight against IS militants at Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's request. (Xinhua)