IS defeated in Syria with Russia's support — defense minister

The Islamic State terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) has been defeated over the last three years of military actions in Syria with Russia's support, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Saturday at the fifth council of defense ministers of ASEAN member countries and their dialogue partners.

"Over the course of the operation, 87,500 militants were destroyed, 1,141 settlements and over 95% of Syria's territory were liberated," Shoigu said.

"Key settlements were liberated and main communications were unblocked," he noted. "The Syrian armed forces currently control territory where 90% of the populaiton resides," he added.