Russia may be preparing second attempt at Syrian arms shipment
Russia may be preparing second attempt at Syrian arms shipment
Ship carrying air defence systems and helicopters that was forced to return to port has been refitted with Russian flag
Email- Miriam Elder in Moscow
- guardian.co.uk,
The Russian-operated ship Alaed, carrying arms for Syria, is moored at Murmansk 'awaiting further instructions'. Photograph: Reuters
A Russian ship carrying attack helicopters that was prevented from sailing to Syria has been refitted with a Russian flag, rousing suspicions it is preparing for a second attempt.
The MV Alaed, carrying air defence systems and helicopters to Syria, wasforced to return to port last week after its British insurers withdrew their coverage as the ship rounded the coast of Scotland. The Foreign Office and Treasury had warned the insurance company, Standard Club, that it could be in breach of sanctions against the regime of Bashar al-Assad if they allowed the ship to pass.
