First Russian helicopter strikes on Syrian-Lebanese border

For the first time since the Russian military buildup in Syria in September, Russian combat helicopters Sunday bombed Islamic State and Nusra Front positions on both sides of the Syrian-Lebanese border, in the Lebanese Beqaa Valley and Harmel Mountains. DEBKAfile: The Russians were also intent on easing the pressure on the Lebanese Hizballah from the Sunni groups in those areas.