Satellite imagery of Russian cargo ships reportedly transporting military equipment to the conflict in Syria has emerged, despite an announcement from the Russian army’s chief of staff that Moscow was beginning to scale down its military presence in the country.

Valery Gerasimov said in a statement last week that Russia’s only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, and several other warships were to return to Murmansk after a November deployment to the Syrian port of Tartous.

The increase in firepower was instrumental in helping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad regain control of Aleppo, which was captured from rebel forces last month.

However, satellite images captured from the Mediterranean and analysed by security sources show that Russia has moved more equipment - including a dozen Su-25 fighter planes - to the regime-controlled city of Latakia since last Friday’s announcement.

Pro-regime news outlet al-Masdar reported that the jets will be used in campaigns on rebel-held Idlib province, which neighbours Aleppo.

The UK-based monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that at least 30 air strikes had been carried out in the area in the last few days, despite the current ceasefire deal.

Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Show all 12 1 /12 Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man crosses a street in Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A vendor sits inside an antique shop in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, December 12, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A view shows part of Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors walk inside Aleppo's Umayyad mosque, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk inside the Khan al-Shounah market, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man walks past shops in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk along an alley in al-Jdeideh neighbourhood, in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Visitors tour Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A general view shows the Old City of Aleppo as seen from Aleppo's historic citadel, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War People walk near Aleppo's Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, Syria October 6, 2010 Reuters Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War Aleppo before the Syrian Civil War A man stands inside Aleppo's historic citadel, overlooking Aleppo city, Syria December 11, 2009 Reuters

The 30 December cessation of hostilities between Syrian opposition groups and the Syrian government has been plagued by accusations of violations by both sides, and disagreement over whether certain rebel factions are included in the truce.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously said Russia had agreed to reduce its military deployment in Syria under the terms of the deal.