US official: Russian warships may be carrying weapons to Syria
CNN reports three Russian warships have been identified in Mediterranean Sea, suspected of carrying weapons to Syria, including advanced anti-aircraft missiles
The official declined to be named due to the sensitive nature of the information.
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CNN reported Thursday that the US has been tracking the ships since they left Russian ports several days ago. US satellites were able to see some indications of containers being loaded onto the ships.
Russian warships at Syrian port (Photo: AFP)
Although it's not confirmed, it's believed the ships may be carrying some components of the controversial Russian S-300 air defense missile system and other weapons for the regime, the report said.
According to the CNN report, the US has been pressing the Russians for weeks to not deliver the S-300 system to Syria because of the threat it would pose by upgrading Syria's already robust air defense capabilities. The US believes it would give the Syrian government a much greater ability to target US, Israeli, NATO or other aircraft that may try to strike targets on the ground in the future.
The official told CNN the US did not see any military helicopters being loaded; it is believed the Syrians want to add the helicopters to their inventories.
The Russians have kept a regular naval presence in the eastern Mediterranean so they can move in and out of the port of Tartus, where they have facilities.
CNN further revealed that several sensitive military assets are in the region this month as well. In the next two weeks, the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower will also be in the region on a scheduled rotation as it returns to its home port on the East Coast.
A US Patriot missile battery and F-16s are heading to Jordan for a training exercise, though the Jordanians have asked for the Patriots to remain after the exercise concludes at the end of the month.
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