Soviet-style weapons 'secretly smuggled' to Syrian opposition

(Baonghean.vn) - On April 21, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia was extremely concerned about Romanian media reports regarding the large amount of Soviet-style weapons being transported from Romania and Bulgaria to Syria to supply opposition factions there, with support from the United States.

Syrian opposition on the ground. Photo: AP.

“We are carefully considering the information, and certainly cannot ignore it,” Ms. Zakharova stressed.

A large batch of Soviet-style weapons has been shipped via Türkiye and Jordan with Romanian assistance and will be delivered to rebel groups in Syria fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

AK-47 rifle. Photo: AFP.

These military weapons are very diverse, from traditional AK rifles, grenades, hand-held anti-tank systems to artillery of many different designs.

Ms. Zakharova said the above-mentioned weapons supply was an illegal re-export of Soviet military weapons without a license.

Similar arms smuggling also took place at the Bulgarian port of Bourgas, with the aim of illegally transporting some “secret cargo” to areas controlled by the Syrian opposition.

Weapons used in the Syrian war. Photo: AFP.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman, it is clear that the Romanian and Bulgarian partners are violating the commitments stated in the International Arms Trade Treaty, violating the common regulations of the European Union (EU) in controlling the export of military technology and equipment.

Ms. Zakharova expressed concern that the above actions will further aggravate the Syrian crisis and the war in Syria will not end.

Lan Ha

(According to TASS)