Russia Doubles Down on Support for Bashar al Assad

The Russian government has doubled down on its controversial military support for the Syrian government of Bashar al Assad.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters that Russia will continue to send military supplies to its ally in Syria, according to Reuters. Among these supplies are tanks, armored personnel carriers, and small arms and ammunition. There are also rumors that Russian troops and special forces have begun to engage in fighting on behalf of the Syrian government, which has been struggling to recruit and maintain its ranks.

Lavrov said that Russians in Syria were there simply to maintain the equipment and train Syrian forces on how to use the gear. Previous reports suggested that Russian involvement may be deeper than that, but that did not extend to fighting. U.S. intelligence officials have told news outlets like The New York Times and Reuters that Russia has sent housing for thousands to Syria and a portable air traffic control system. The officials also said tank landing ships and military aircraft have also been sent to Russia's military base in the Syrian city of Tartus.

Lavrov also said that at the U.N. General Assembly in late September Russian President Vladimir Putin will address the body to lay out and expand upon Russia's positions on issues like the Syrian Civil, the conflict in Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and the global economy.

Lavrov's statements come after two planes carrying 80 tonnes of humanitarian aid landed in Syria from Russia, according to the BBC. Among the supplies were beds, pillows, stoves, food and water canteens.

The plane landed at an airport in Assad's home province of Latakia, which is a key base of his remaining support, which has been eaten away by the difficulties of life during the war and the government's continued losses to various rebel groups.