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Russia has ordered the US not to carry out airstrikes on Syrian army positions, warning that sophisticated air defence systems are now up and running.

Putin has ordered the deployment of S-300 and S-400 units in order to protect troops on the ground.

And Russian army bosses have warned that the weapons' radius may be 'a surprise' to unidentified planes, helicopters and drones in the area, according to Russia Today .

Russia says it has deployed the anti-aircraft batteries because members of the Russian Reconciliation Center in Syria are working “ on the ground ” delivering aid.

(Image: Reuters)

Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson General Igor Konashenkov, said: “Therefore, any missile or air strikes on the territory controlled by the Syrian government will create a clear threat to Russian servicemen.

“Russian air defense system crews are unlikely to have time to determine in a ‘straight line’ the exact flight paths of missiles and then who the warheads belong to.

"And all the illusions of amateurs about the existence of ‘invisible’ jets will face a disappointing reality.”

General Konashenkov also said that Syria's own air defence systems had been significantly upgraded over recent months.

(Image: Barcroft Media)

The statement came soon after what Russia called 'leaks' suggesting Washington is considering airstrikes on Syrian forces.

General Konashenkov added: “Of particular concern is information that the initiators of such provocations are representatives of the CIA and the Pentagon, who in September reported to the [US] President on the alleged controllability of ‘opposition’ fighters, but today are lobbying for ‘kinetic’ scenarios in Syria.”

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Coalition forces bombed Syrian government positions last month, killing 83 servicemen, according to Russia Today.

Washington said the strike was a mistake while Damascus called it 'blatant aggression'.