Russia is flying military hardware and personnel into Syria using an air route over Iran and Iraq — in defiance of objections by the United States, The New York Times reports.

Officials in Washington told the newspaper that seven or more large Russian Condor transport planes flew off from a southern Russia base and passed over Iran and Iraq airspace. Russia's assistance comes as the Kremlin continues to support President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's ongoing civil war.

At first the Obama administration, which objects to Russia's military support, believed the issue had been nipped in the bud when Bulgaria closed its airspace to the flights. But Russia altered its flight patterns to jet over Iraq and Iran instead.

"There were military supplies, they are ongoing, and they will continue. They are inevitably accompanied by Russian specialists, who help to adjust the equipment, to train Syrian personnel how to use this weaponry," said Sergey Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister.

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