Special to WorldTribune.com

MOSCOW — Russia has delivered an advanced surface-to-surface rocket
to Syria.

Russian sources said the Kremlin has approved the transfer of the
Iskander-E rocket to the regime of President Bashar Assad. They said nearly
100 Iskander rockets arrived in Syria in November as part of Moscow’s
determination to bolster Damascus.

“These missiles were sent because of threats from Turkey,” a source
said.

Iskander was said to have a range of 280 kilometers. Russia, training
the Syrian Army to use Iskander, has touted the rocket as capable of
penetrating Israeli- or U.S.-origin missile and rocket defense systems, something sought by Ankara.

The sources said Russia had long promised the Iskander to Assad but
repeatedly delayed delivery amid Israeli or U.S. pressure. But they said the
Kremlin decided to ship the rockets to Syria amid threats by Turkey as well
as expanded operations by the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet.

“The Kremlin is sending a message that it will not tolerate military
intervention in Syria or another regional war,” the source said.

Russia also concluded its delivery of two Bastion coastal defense
systems to Syria. The sources said about 75 P-800 Yakhont cruise missiles,
with a range of up to 300 kilometers, were sent to Syria as part of Bastion
batteries.

“There will be strict supervision over the latest weapons sent by Russia
to make sure they are not used to begin a regional conflict,” the source
said.

  Bashar Assad, Bastion coastal defense system, cites ‘threats from Turkey’, Iskander-E rocket, Kremlin, P-800 Yakhont cruise missile, Russia sends advanced rockets to Syria, U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet