Russia received a series of crucial warnings from America of the imminent air strikes through a 24 hour hotline intended to limit the possibility of a direct military clash between the two superpowers, it has emerged.

In the aftermath of the bombing of Syrian targets, America, Britain and France were all at pains to point out that the so-called “deconfliction channel” - a continuously open line of communication between Washington and Moscow - had been repeatedly used.

The strategic hotline was set up after Russia began offering military support to President Bashar Assad in September 2015. It is intended to help avoid any potential misunderstandings as both sides operate over the region, ensure airspace control is respected and so prevent the possibility of clashes between Russian and Western forces.

Although the “deconfliction line” has occasionally been closed due to disputes between the two countries, it has proven invaluable while Russia targets those opposed to Assad’s rule, and the West has supported attacks against Islamic State in the region.