The US has information that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has agreed to provide the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah with a Russian-made missile defence system, as reported by CNN.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) earlier stated that Russia’s Wagner Group might provide the equipment to Hezbollah, but Assad’s involvement was not reported.
Syria’s Plans
Russian mercenary organisation Wagner Group, which operates in Syria, has been assigned with delivering the surface-to-air SA-22 missile system, as reported by the sources.
The SA-22 air-defence system, also known as the Pantsir, is placed on a wheeled military vehicle. Russia built the system to intercept aeroplanes, drones, and enemy weapons.
As per the reports, this weapon was also used in the Russian-Ukraine War and could possibly be used by the Iran-backed militia organisation in the Middle East for defence purposes against Israeli attacks.
BREAKING: CNN reports the US has intelligence that Syria's Assad has agreed to give Hezbollah a Russian-made SA-22 missile defense system
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) November 2, 2023
It remains unclear whether the system has already been delivered. According to the reports, Russia first handed the equipment to the Syrian government for use.
Sources indicate that the US assessment was partly based on intelligence gathered concerning negotiations between Assad, Wagner, and Hezbollah about the delivery of the equipment. There have been indications of growing cooperation between Wagner and Hezbollah in Syria, sources said.
US intelligence believes that, for the moment, Iran and its proxies are calibrating their response to Israel’s military participation in Gaza to avoid direct war with Israel or the US while still exacting costs on its adversaries, CNN reported.
Wagner and Hezbollah militants have both been operating in Syria for years, assisting Russian and Syrian military forces in bolstering the Assad Regime against the Syrian opposition. Reportedly, Hezbollah has begun to withdraw its fighters in recent years, although the group is also backed by Iran, which is a close Assad ally.
Breaking: The U.S. says it has intelligence that the Russian paramilitary group Wagner may send an air defense system to the Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah https://t.co/hG5atk5XsR https://t.co/hG5atk5XsR
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) November 2, 2023
WSJ Report
As per an earlier WSJ report, the Wagner Group intends to supply an air defence system to Hezbollah, US officials claimed, citing intelligence.
US officials said that Washington has not confirmed whether the system has been delivered. However, they are keeping a close watch on negotiations between Wagner and Hezbollah, and sources believe that potential delivery is a major concern.
Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House’s National Security Council, said, “The information that was reported by The Wall Street Journal is concerning.” “We know that Russia has refused to condemn Hamas for its horrific terrorist attack on Israel, and they recently hosted Hamas officials in Moscow. This comes as Russia is continuing to commit atrocities in Ukraine.”
The US has consistently warned Hezbollah and other Iran-backed forces to stay out of the Israel-Hamas War and stationed aircraft carriers and soldiers in the region to avoid an escalation.