MOSCOW (AP) — Russia says it is aiming to step up humanitarian aid to Syria's war-battered people by opening up its military facilities in Syria for international aid cargos.

Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Monday that Russia "is ready to provide all necessary help to international and foreign organizations in the delivery of humanitarian aid."

He said this assistance will include allowing the unloading and temporary storage of aid cargos at the Russian naval base in Tartus, as well as receiving and storing aid at the air base in Hemeimeem.

Konashenkov said Russia is also ready to provide vehicles to help deliver cargos from Tartus and Hemeimeem to Syrian regions in need.