Russian Navy makes rare port call in Lebanon

MOSCOW — The Russian Navy sent three vessels to the port of Beirut in 2013 on invitation of the Lebanese military and government.

“This visit was on invitation of the Lebanese side,” the Russian Defense Ministry said.

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“Tartous will remain as before the official point to repair Russian ships in the Mediterranean,” the Russian Defense Ministry said. The vessels were identified as the Russian Navy’s frigate Jaroslav Modry as well as two assault ships — Kaliningrad and Alexander Shabalin.

In a statement on March 21, the ministry dismissed reports that the Russian Navy would abandon Tartous and seek other ports in the Mediterranean. The ministry said Tartous would serve the new Mediterranean task force.

Full article: Russian Navy makes rare port call in Lebanon (World Tribune)