Russia appears to be gathering military equipment at an air base in Syria.
This is clear from satellite images published by Maxar after the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, Reuters reported.
The images taken on Friday show at least two An-124 aircraft, some of the world's largest cargo planes, with their nose cones open at the Khmeimim air base in Syria's coastal province of Latakia.
"Two An-124 heavy transport aircraft are at the airport - both with their nose cones raised and ready to load equipment/cargo", the images show. Maxar.
"A Ka-52 attack helicopter is being dismantled nearby, likely being prepared for transport, and elements of an S-400 air defense unit are also preparing to leave their previous deployment site at the airbase."
The Russian naval base in Tartus, the only Russian repair and replenishment center in the Mediterranean, "remains largely unchanged since our photos on December 10, with two frigates still visible in the sea off Tartus," Maxar said.
The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
Moscow has supported Syria since the beginning of the Cold War, recognizing its independence in 1944 when Damascus was trying to throw off French colonial rule.
The West has long considered Syria a Soviet satellite.
The Kremlin said that since the fall of Assad, it has focused on ensuring the security of its military bases in Syria and its diplomatic missions.