Moscow sending marines to protect Russians in Syria
Russia is sending two navy ships to violence-wracked Syria to protect its citizens and its naval base there, the Interfax news agency reported.
The two ships - Nikolai Filchenkov and Tsezar Kunikov amphibious assault vessels - will be heading to the Syrian port of Tartus where Moscow operates a strategic naval base, the news agency reported Monday quoting an unidentified Russian navy official.
The agency didn't say when the ships would sail. The official was quoted as saying the ships would carry an unspecified number of marines to protect Russians in Syria.
The development comes ahead of the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Barack Obama on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Mexico later Monday.
Russia has vetoed the slapping of international sanctions on the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad over the crackdown on protesters and the deaths that have crossed 9,000. Russia also continues to provide arms to Syria, but has maintained they are not being used against the protesters.
The Tsezar Kunikov can carry 150 landing troops and armaments including tanks, while the Nikolai Filchenkov can carry up to 1,500 tonnes of
"The crews of The Nikolai Filchenkov and The Tsezar Kunikov and SB-15 rescue tug together with marines on board are able to ensure security of Russian nationals and evacuate part of the property of the logistical support base if need be," Interfax quoted a source as saying.
Russia's Defense Ministry has not made any comment on the report.
Source: Russia News.Net
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