A Look At The Growing Russian Military Presence In Syria

Russia has sent 12 SU-25 ground attack aircraft, similar to the one pictured here on March 26, 2015, to Syria (AFP Photo/Sergey Venyavsky)

AFP: Russia deploys 28 combat planes in Syria: US officials

Washington (AFP) - Russia has deployed 28 combat planes in Syria, US officials said Monday, confirming the latest move in Moscow's increasing military presence in the war-torn nation.

Washington in recent weeks has expressed growing concern over Russia's moves to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and warned that militarily backing his regime risks further hampering efforts at bringing peace.

Experts said the buildup is likely a prelude to military action.

"There are 28 fighter and bomber aircraft" at an airfield in the western Syrian province of Latakia, one of the officials told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

More News On Russia's Growing Military Presence In Syria

Russia to deploy 2,000 in Syria air base mission’s ‘first phase’ -- Financial Times
Russia begins military operations in Syria as Putin sends 28 jets -- The Telegraph
These are the 28 jets Russia now has in Syria -- Washington Post
Russia Now Has 28 Fighter Aircraft in Syria, US Officials Say -- ABC News
Russia has deployed more than 28 military planes to Syria in recent days, claims US -- The Independent
Russia sending thousands of troops, dozens of jets to Syria -- Times of Israel/AFP
Russia ramps up military buildup in Syria -- CBS/AP
Russia Bulks Up Force in Syria, Starts Flying Drone Missions -- WSJ
Russia starts Syria drone surveillance missions: U.S. officials -- Reuters
Russia begins spy drone missions over Syria: reports -- Washington Times
US Official: Russia Military Build-Up in Syria ‘Long Term’ -- VOA
Reports: Russian troops refusing deployment to Syria -- YNet News
Analysis: Russian Fighter Aircraft Arrive in Syria -- Stratfor
Russia to Start Bombing in Syria ASAP -- Nancy A. Youssef & Shane Harris, Daily Beast
Russia Uses Syria to Influence Other Powers -- Stratfor
Why Russia Is Expanding Its Syrian Naval Base -- Matthew Bodner, Moscow Times
What's at stake for Russia in Syria? -- Nikolay Kozhanov, BBC