U.S. officials said Washington has identified Russian helicopters at an airfield in Syria, the latest addition to what the US believes is a significant Russian military buildup in the country, Reuters reported.
One of the officials said four helicopters had been identified, including helicopter gunships, although it was not clear when the Russian helicopters had arrived there. The officials spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
Reuters has previously reported on U.S. assessments that Russia has sent about 200 naval infantry forces, battle tanks, artillery and other equipment to an airfield near Latakia, a stronghold of Bashar al-Assad.
The Pentagon has said Russia’s movement of equipment and personnel suggest preparations to establish an air operations hub in Syria, where a U.S.-led coalition is carrying out airstrikes against ISIS militants.
Moscow and Washington have said their enemy is ISIS, whose fighters control part of Syria.
Russia supports Assad’s government, while the United States has said Assad’s presence is fueling the 4-1/2 year civil war in Syria.