Syria: Russian air strikes have started - according to US official

Media sources report a US official said there are indications that Russian air strikes appear to have started and have been carried out in the vicinity of Homs adding that Moscow gave the US a one-hour advanced noticed of its operations. Activists allege an attack was launched by Syrian government planes and at least 17 people were killed including five children. Some reports talk of 27 dead including six children. A video posted on social media and not verified showed the aftermath of what were apparently strikes in the region of Homs on the town of Talbisah. Moscow declined to say when Russian air strikes would begin or whether they had already occured. President Vladimir Putin says Russian engagement in Syria is "temporary" according to reports.