DHAKA: US and Russian defence ministers have held their first talks in more than a year, to discuss the conflict in Syria.

The phone call follows signs that Moscow is taking a more active role in the conflict, and American concern over the extent of the plans.

Meanwhile, four Russian fighter jets have arrived at an airfield near the Syrian city of Latakia, the US said.

The US and Russia have disagreed sharply on Syria's bloody civil war and the role of President Bashar al-Assad, reports BBC.

While Moscow has backed the Syrian government, the US sees the removal of President Assad as essential to resolving the conflict.

BDST:0835 HRS, SEP 19, 2015
RS