Russia has deployed 28 military planes in Syria, according to US officials.

Washington has been concerned in recent weeks over the increased military activity of Russia in Syria with US experts claiming that the combat buildup could be a lead up to military action by the Russians.

In early September the US said Russia could be preparing a military base in Syria’s Mediterranean city of Latakia.

A spokesperson from the Pentagon, Jeff Davis, said there had been a flow of people and equipment to the city.  

The comments from the US follow news from Syria’s state news agency that Moscow had sent two cargo planes carrying humanitarian aid to support victims of the war.

Moscow has been a strong supporter of Al-Assad and his regime despite recent reports that Russia was planning a transition of power that could see Al-Assad step down to make way for meaningful peace talks.