Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to take “extremely tough” action against any threat to its forces in Syria.

Such targets must be “immediately destroyed”, the Russian president told defense officials in TV comments.

Vladimir Putin did not elaborate on specific threats but Turkey and Russia are currently locked in a dispute over the downing of a Russian jet by Ankara.

Turkey said the bomber had entered its airspace, something denied by Russia.

A Russian pilot was killed in the downing of the Su-24 bomber, as was a marine sent on a rescue mission, badly damaging the normally close ties between Ankara and Moscow.

Vladimir Putin warned against “further provocations” without naming Turkey directly.

Photo Reuters

Russia began air strikes in Syria in September, at the request of its ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

In an update on Russian operations, Vladimir Putin said the military was now supporting Free Syrian Army (FSA) forces.

There has been no confirmation from the FSA, who are fighting Bashar al-Assad and have been bombed by Russia.

The Kremlin has denied accusations by the US-led coalition operating in Syria it often targets moderate Syrian opposition, rather than ISIS.

Vladimir Putin also said was important to develop co-operation “with all states who have a real interest in destroying the terrorists”.

That includes “contacts to ensure flight safety with the Israeli air force HQ and the US-led coalition forces,” he said.

In a separate development in Syria, at least 22 people are reported to have died in a triple truck bomb attack in a Kurdish-controlled town in northern Syria.

Syrian opposition politicians meeting in the Saudi capital Riyadh have also agreed a statement to guide peace talks with the government.