Two Russian cargo planes carrying 80 tonnes of humanitarian aid have landed in Syria, Syrian state media say.

It comes amid reports that Russia is stepping up military support to the Syrian government.

The planes flew into an air base near the coastal city of Latakia, a stronghold of President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia has been a key ally of President Assad during Syria’s bloody four-year civil war.

Analysts say that without the Kremlin’s backing, President Assad may have fallen by now.

The planes flown in to Latakia on Saturday were carrying materials for setting up a tent camp for refugees, according to Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Maj Gen Igor Konashenkov.

He said the shipment included beds, mattresses, stoves, water cisterns and food.