The Federation Council has granted permission to the Russian president to use Russian Armed Forces in Syria, Kremlin Chief of Staff Sergey Ivanov told journalists on Wednesday, TASS reports.

“The Federation Council unanimously supported the president’s request – 162 votes in favor [of granting permission],” Ivanov said.

Ivanov said that Russia will use only its Air Force in Syria against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on Syrian President Bashar Assad’s request.

“The operation’s military goal is exclusively air support of the Syrian armed forces in their fight against ISIL,” he said.

This operation by the Russian Air Force is limited in time and the types of the used weapons are not disclosed, Ivanov added.

Ivanov noted that Russia’s partners will be informed today about the decision to use Russian Air Force in Syria.

“All our partners and allies will be informed today about the decision [to use Russian Air Force in Syria]. Specific information will probably be shared with defense ministries as well,” Ivanov said.