Russia's Hmeimim air base in Syria on January 19 was attacked by three unmanned aircraft but was successfully intercepted.

Three small unmanned aircraft joined the attack, approaching the base from the northeast in the night. The Russian Defense Ministry said the air defense system successfully prevented air strikes and the base did not suffer any damage.

"With the standard anti-air missile systems deployed at the base, the targets were all destroyed at a safe distance. There was no loss of life or material. Hmeimim Air Base was still functioning properly." Often, "the Russian Defense Ministry announced.

Located in Latakia province, western Syria, Hmeimim base has become a target of militant and terrorist groups. The Russian military has repelled many air strikes and shelling targets at Hmeimim base in 2019, destroying 53 unmanned aircraft and 27 artillery shells.

Russia launched a military campaign against terrorist groups in Syria in September 2015 at the request of President Bashar al-Assad. On December 11, 2018, President Vladimir Putin ordered the withdrawal of a large number of Russian soldiers to the country, a week after announcing the defeat of the Islamic State (IS) in Syria. However, Russian servicemen are still present at Tartus naval bases and Hmeimim air base to maintain security in Syria.