A Russian Naval task force that's expected to pass through the English Channel in the coming days is ultimately headed to Syria.

The carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and seven escort ships recently departed a Russian Naval base in Severomorsk, which houses Russia's Northern Fleet. The flotilla has shadowed the Norwegian coast and is heading into the North Sea, through the English Channel, through the Straight of Gibraltar, and into the Mediterranean Sea, according to a BBC report.

From there, the eight ships will join the 10 Russian vessels already stationed off Syria.

The BBC cites a Russian state TV report that claimed Russian submarines in the Atlantic Ocean were likely repositioned to help escort the carrier group.

Norwegian military planes have been keeping watch on the flotilla and took several reconnaissance photos of it.

"The Kuznetsov Task Group situation is normal routine for the Norwegian military," Norwegian military spokesperson Major Elisabeth Eikeland told the BBC. "The only unusual thing is the amount of ships."

The relationship between Russia and the United States is currently on the rocks as they squabble over what to do in Syria. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently recalled Russians stationed overseas back to their home country, while Russian state TV is discussing potential war.

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