Moscow steps up military-technical aid to Damascus - Syrian diplomat
MOSCOW. Sept 23 (Interfax) - Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riyad Haddad did not rule out the presence of Russian warplanes and helicopter gunships in the area of the Syrian city of Latakia controlled by the government forces.
"I cannot confirm and at the same time I cannot deny this information, I am perfectly aware and I can say with confidence that Russia's support in this sphere is growing," Haddad told Interfax in reply to a request to confirm the presence of 28 Russian warplanes and around 20 helicopter gunships in Latakia.
"I can also confirm that such assistance from Russia will help Syria to finally defeat terrorist groupings. Those efforts which the Russian leadership is taking in this sphere are directed exclusively against terrorism," the ambassador said.
He also said that the military-technical accord, which is being gradually implemented, has already been in effect between Russia and Syria for a long time.
"This process goes on up to now. I cannot specify which type of weapons our friends from the Russian Federation will provide to us, because I am not a specialist in the military sphere. But I know for sure that Russia's backing regarding weapons to Syria will be continued. The delivery of ammunition and different military equipment makes up part of it," the ambassador said.