Special to WorldTribune.com

MOSCOW — For the first time, Russia has acknowledged to shipping
offensive military platforms to Syria.

The Kremlin said a Russian cargo ship tried to deliver three Mi-24
attack helicopters to the regime of President Bashar Assad. And the Russian government said they will be shipped again.

The cargo ship, identified as MV Alaed, returned to Russia when a Western insurance company withdrew coverage for the voyage.

“The ship was carrying air defense systems, which can only be used to
repel foreign aggression and not against peaceful demonstrators,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. “And yes — it was carrying three refurbished helicopters.”

Officials said Alaed would be re-flagged and again sent to the Syrian
port of Tartous. They said Alaed would be accompanied by at least another Russian vessel.

In an interview with Russia’s Echo Moskvy radio, Lavrov confirmed
reports that Moscow was sending offensive platforms to Assad. Until now, the Kremlin insisted that the Russian deliveries consisted of equipment that could not be used against civilians.

Officials said Russia has sought to conclude a contract for the
refurbishing of up to 35 Mi-24s for Damascus. They said the overhaul
contract had been signed in 2008 as the Syrian Air Force sought to renew
operations of its combat helicopter fleet.

In the interview on June 21, Lavrov said the Mi-24s had been
disassembled before the voyage to Syria. He said Syria would require several
months to return the helicopters to operational status.

“They need to be rebuilt, taking around three months,” Lavrov said.

  Bashar Assad, MV Alaed, port of Tartous, refurbished Mi-24 attack helicopters, Russia admits shipping attack helicopters to Syria and will try again, Sergei Lavrov