Pentagon official: Russian warships may be carrying weapons to Syria

CNN has learned that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified three Russian amphibious warships in the eastern Mediterranean that are believed to be carrying weapons shipments that might be used to resupply the Syrian regime, according to a Pentagon official.

…

The United States has been tracking the ships since they left Russian ports several days ago. U.S. satellites were able to see some indications of containers being loaded onto the ships. 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 United States has been pressing the Russians for weeks to not deliver that system to Syria because of the threat it would pose by upgrading Syria’s already robust air defense system. The United States believes it would give the Syrian government a much greater ability to target U.S., Israeli, NATO or other aircraft that may try to strike targets on the ground in the future.

The official said the United States did not see any military helicopters being loaded; it is believed the Syrians want to add the helicopters to their inventories.

Full article: Pentagon official: Russian warships may be carrying weapons to Syria (CNN)