Russian fighter jets are parked in preparation for combat action at Hemeimeem airbase, Syria.

Russia’s defense ministry is not developing additional air bases in Syria, RIA news agency quoted the ministry’s spokesman as saying on Wednesday.

Igor Konashenkov was also quoted as saying the Syrian General Staff had evidence that warplanes from the Western coalition had carried out strikes on Syrian army positions in Deir al Zor province on Dec. 6.

Last week, Russian troops were reportedly expanding a military base in central Syria, adding fortifications and developing its runways in a sign they intend to use it as their second air base in the country.

The work was underway at the Shaayrat air base, about 40km southeast of the city of Homs, could also signal Moscow’s intention to step up airstrikes in the country’s central region where the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group is active.

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