Russian news outlets on Thursday carried pictures of a pair of Su-57 fighters heading to land at Hemeimeem air base in Syria’s coastal province of Latakia that serves as the main hub for Russian operations in Syria. An early warning A-50 plane, four Su-35 fighters and four Su-25 ground attack jets also arrived at the base Wednesday.
The Kremlin on Thursday wouldn’t comment on the reports, referring the questions to the military that remained mum about the deployment.
The new warplanes’ arrival comes amid the Syrian government’s offensive on eastern outskirts of Damascus. Russia has rejected allegations it was responsible for the mounting civilian casualties in eastern Ghouta.
