Russia Plans Second Air Base in Syria

Russia is looking to scale up its military presence in Syria with the opening of a second airport in eastern Homs, around 25 kilometers south-east of the provincial capital.

The move could see Russia's air fleet bolstered to over 100 war planes, while 1,000 ground troops are also on their way to Syria, according to al-Rai Media Group, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed online news website.

These new Russian troops would be used in "selective battles" in Syria, and to provide security for al-Shayarat airport in Homs province, according to a high-ranking military officer.

"Al-Shayrat airbase houses 45 fortified aircraft hangers," Elijah J. Magnier from the newspaper said in the report.

Engineers are building a three kilometer backup runway to cater to the new Russian aircraft.

Russia has around 37 war planes and helicopters at Latakia airbase, including Su-34 war planes.

A joint force of Syrian, Iranian, Iraqi and Hizballah fighters would be used on the ground to retake territory in Homs from the Islamic State group.

This includes an offensive on the ancient city of Palmyra which was lost by Damascus to IS in May.