In other words, the strike did not hit the building marked with the targeter’s cross. It did not hit any significant structures or assets which might have been placed behind the building, such as vehicles or weapon systems. According to the Ruptly video — but not the MoD’s edition — it struck into empty space.

The Ruptly video also shows a second feature lacking in the MoD footage: a follow-up strike on the same location, twelve seconds after the MoD video cut off. The targeting cross remains on the long, low central building; however, the second strike actually hits what appears to be a small shed behind it:

Animation of 00:31–33 from Ruptly TV video “Syria: Drone shows Russian missile strikes on IS as new offensive begins”

This structure also appears on the Wikimapia image:

Screenshot from Wikimapia

It is unclear what purpose this shed serves. However, it is a small structure, apparently ill-suited for use as a military headquarters. The MoD’s red spot and the targeting cross from the MoD video would appear to indicate that the desired main point of impact for the Kalibr attack was the compound’s main building. Moreover, the MoD’s own video implies that the main building was the target.

If so, the “precision strike” by the Kalibr missile leaves something to be desired. According to Google Maps, the small building is 50m away from the main building:

That is a significant error for what is meant to be a precision munition. The MoD’s apparent attempt to gloss over is, at least, a significant omission.

Once again, the Russian government’s attempts to prove the pinpoint accuracy of its weapon systems seem to be doing the opposite. The overwhelming impression is of a hit-and-miss campaign, reported in a hit-and-miss way.

This text was updated on 17 November to clarify the significance of the drone’s targeting cross.