Russia conducted its first airstrikes in Syria, claiming to target ISIS. 20 missions were carried out on Wednesday. US officials have expressed serious doubt as to the real motives behind the strikes.

Russian Defense Ministry sources state that the warplanes have targeted eight ISIS positions that include weapons depots, communications and other control positions, however there are US concerns that the action may result in inflaming a civil war in Syria.

The US and Russian military are to hold talks on air strikes as soon as possible to avoid clashing in Syria.

NATO said there was little co-ordination between Russia and US-led forces. The US had only been informed of Wednesday’s air strikes an hour before they happened.