Russia, Turkey, Iran to start new peace talks with both sides of Syria conflict

Nov. 19 (UPI) -- After seven years of civil war and 360,000 deaths in Syria, negotiators have set new peace talks with both sides of the conflict, officials said Monday

Russia, Turkey and Iran will hold peace talks Nov. 28 in Kazakhstan with delegations of the official Syrian government and the opposition.

Previous talks have created de-escalation zones intended to reduce violence. The new negotiations will focus on the Idib province and the ongoing refuge crisis there.

The Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad is backed by Russia.

In a recent show of force, Russia released video of the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet being combat tested in Syria. The stealth aircraft is billed as their answer to the U.S. F-22 Raptor.

"Su-57 crews performed more than 10 flights in Syria," the Defense Ministry announced Monday. "The flights were conducted to demonstrate the advanced aircraft's declared capabilities in real combat situations."

Earlier this year, Israeli satellites spotted the Su-57s at the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria. The plane was believed not operational at the time.

The first official deliveries of the aircraft are expected in 2019.