The Russian military says its warplanes have destroyed a weapons depot in Idlib in northwestern Syria.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Wednesday's airstrike targeted a depot belonging to the al-Qaida branch in Idlib. It said the attack was coordinated with Turkey.

The ministry said the raid was launched after Russia had received a tip about the delivery of a big shipment of drones to the depot, which were to be used for an attack on the Russian base.

Russia and Turkey brokered a cease-fire in September for Idlib, the last major stronghold of Syria's rebels. The agreement averted a Syrian government offensive, but it has come under strain as al-Qaida-linked militants have seized territory from rival insurgents. The two countries have pledged to coordinate their operations in Idlib.

AP