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Moscow leader Vladimir Putin is targeting a region dubbed ‘Assadland’ to expand his ever-growing sphere of influence and establish a new world order, according to ex-European Union official and Middle East expert Marc Pierni.

Over the past few days, Russia has ramped up its military presence in Syria, where it has been a long-time ally of the country’s dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Missile-laden warplanes, attack helicopters, drones and tanks are all claimed to have been pouring into the country on President Putin’s orders.

Satellite images have also emerged suggesting Russia is developing two extra military bases within territory controlled by al-Assad, prompting expectations Putin could soon deploy thousands of ground troops to Syria.

The US has said Russia’s military build-up raises “serious questions” amid fears it could pose a threat American and allied forces in the Middle East.

Secretary of State John Kerry also admitted Moscow’s motives for the rapid scaling up of its Middle Eastern armed capabilities are unclear.