Russian defense ministry said on Friday that sappers have started destroying explosives in Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor.

Russian military officials estimate that specialists will have to clear up to 1,500 hectares of land from explosives in Deir ez-Zor and surrounding areas, the ministry noted.

In a statement, the ministry announced that detachment from the International Mine Action Center of the Russian Armed Forces had cleared the streets that lead to vital city social infrastructure, hospitals, water supply, and electricity facilities, Russia Today channel reported.