MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia handed over on Sunday a new batch of humanitarian aid cargo to the Syrian government, Russia’s Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.
"An-124 Ruslan military-transport planes of the Russian Defense Ministry have brought humanitarian cargo to the Syrian Arab Republic. They flew over 5,000 kilometers to bring more than 80 metric tons of essentials, food, mattresses, blankets, beds, stoves, mobile kitchens, bedclothes, water cisterns and other equipment for setting up a tent camp," Maj. Gen. Konashenkov said.
The planes landed at an air base in the Latakia province, controlled by the armed forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The Latakia governor, who welcomed the Russian cargo, thanked officials for their help to the crisis-hit nation.
Syria has been mired in a civil war since 2011, as government forces loyal to Assad fight several opposition and radical Islamist militant groups, including the Nusra Front and the Islamic State (ISIL).
Russia has been supplying Syria with humanitarian aid and military equipment.
Earlier this week, the United States and the NATO military bloc expressed concern that Russia was building up military presence in Syria. Washington has long been supporting what it regards as moderate opposition in Syria, saying it would strike at Syrian government troops if they attacked.
Hungary, a NATO partner, blocked Russian planes bound for Syria from crossing its airspace. Greece declined a similar request by Washington to deny the use of its airspace to Russian cargo planes with humanitarian aid for Syrian people.
Russia has been supplying Syria with humanitarian aid and military equipment.
