A Russian Emergencies Ministry aircraft took off on Saturday, Oct 6, deliver a regular batch of humanitarian aid to Syria, the ministry said.

“An Il-76 plane, bound for Damascus, took off from Moscow Region Ramenskoye airport at 06.00 am Moscow Time [02.00 GMT],” the ministry said, adding that there is some 25 metric tons of humanitarian cargo on board.

In September, the ministry delivered to Syria some 80 metric tons of humanitarian assistance, including canned food, sugar, infant food, blankets and tents, RIA Novosti reported.

The Syrian conflict has claimed up to 20,000 lives according to estimates by various Syrian opposition groups. The UN estimates the death toll at over 18,000 people. The Syrian authorities say 8,000 were killed.