Two Russian aid planes land in Syria: State media

Damascus - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Moscow would provide additional help to Damascus if requested.

Two Russian planes carrying humanitarian aid landed in Syria on Saturday, state media said, amid reports that Moscow is beefing up military support to its Damascus.
"Two Russian planes arrived today at the Latakia Martyr Bassil Al Assad international airport carrying 80 tonnes of humanitarian aid provided by Russia," state news reported.
The reported aid delivery comes as Washington has expressed concern about an alleged Russian military build-up in Syria.
US officials say Russia has sent ships, armoured personnel carriers and naval infantry to the country in recent weeks.
On Friday, US President Barack Obama said Russia's decision to send military advisors and equipment to bolster Assad was only extending a strategy "doomed to failure."
"The strategy that they are pursuing right now, doubling down on Assad, I think is a big mistake," Obama said.
Moscow and Syria have denied any Russian military build-up, but on Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday Moscow would provide additional help to Damascus if requested.
"We helped, are continuing to help and will help the Syrian government when it comes to supplying the Syrian army with everything it needs," he said.
"Russia is sending planes to Syria with both military equipment in accordance with current contracts and humanitarian aid," he said.
"Russia is not taking any additional steps."

• MENA