US officials have told Reuters that a number of Russian aircraft have been spotted in Syria as part of Russia’s continued military buildup at an airbase along the country’s western coast.
Two Russian Mi-24 “Hind helicopters and two Mi-17 “Hip helicopters were spotted on the tarmac at Bassel al-Assad International Airport in Syria’s Latakia province. Officials say that AN-124 Condors transporting cargo continue to fly into Syria from Russia twice daily.
In addition to seven T-90 battle tanks that the Guardian reports were sent to the airbase earlier this week, and housing units that are being built at the airbase for around 1,500 troops, a Russian cargo ship docked in nearby Tartus has also reportedly brought around 15 artillery pieces and 35 armored personnel carriers into Syria.
US Secretary of State John Kerry has asked his Russian counterpart to clarify the intent behind the military buildup, and warned that Russia’s continued support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad risks extending the current bloody conflict.