Iranian warships arrive in Syria, witness says
yahoo/associated Press / ALBERT AJI
24-Feb-2011 (one comment)

DAMASCUS, Syria – A witness said two Iranian warships docked in Syria on Thursday, completing a voyage that has raised tensions with Israel during a time of upheaval in the Middle East.

The ships arrived at Syria's Latakia seaport, after sailing through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean — the first such trip in at least three decades. A witness confirmed the ships' arrival, but asked that his name not be used because of the sensitivity of the issue.

The chief of Iran's navy, Adm. Habibollah Sayyari, said the frigate Alvand and the supply ship Kharq are in Syria for a training mission. He rejected Israeli criticism that the trip was provocative.

>>>
recommended by yolanda

Balatarin
Share/Save/Bookmark

 
yolanda

.......

by yolanda on Thu Feb 24, 2011 11:01 AM PST

Analysts believe Iran wanted to see whether Egypt's new rulers will stick to the pro-Western line of the Mubarak government. Some said the voyage also signals that Iran is ready to come to the aid of regional allies, including Syria and Iranian proxies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.


  •