Syrian saber rattling paying off
Russian Flotilla Headed for Syria Enters Mediterranean
Jul. 24, 2012 – 03:58PM AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
IMRA: MOSCOW — A Russian naval flotilla of warships destined for the Syrian port of Tartus has entered the Mediterranean, Russia’s defense ministry said July 24.
“The Russian ships today passed the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the Mediterranean at 1200 GMT,” said a defense ministry spokesman, quoted by Itar-Tass agency.
Led by the Admiral Chabanenko anti-submarine destroyer, the three landing craft left their home port of Severomorsk in the Arctic Circle earlier this month. They are due to be joined in the Mediterranean by the Russian patrol ship Yaroslav Mudry as well as an assistance vessel.
The ships will perform “planned military maneuvers,” said the ministry. Earlier in the month a military source said the ships would be topping up on supplies of fuel, water and foodstuffs.
Russia has denied that the deployment is linked to the escalating conflict in Syria.
I wonder if Russia will decide to topple Assad in order to preserve it’s interests there. The other potential outcomes would have the reverse effect.
Too bad the picture is of U.S. ships.
hard to tell from that angle, and I’m a former skivvy waver. 😉