Syria demands the return of a batch of T-62M tanks from rebels.
Fighters in southern Syria have just handed over a batch of weapons to the Syrian Government Army (SAA), including T-62M tanks that had been previously captured by rebels.
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T-62M tank. |
According to images published by ANNA News, rebel fighters handed over at least 11 US-made TOW missile launchers along with approximately 17 TOW missiles, dozens of Fagot missiles, several modified Malutak missiles with two launchers, as well as other weapons.
The released images also show two Shilka self-propelled vehicles, four BMP-1 armored vehicles, and seven battle tanks. Although not mentioned in the recently captured SAA spoils of war, the released images indicate that the government army recovered T-62M tanks – a powerful tank model of the SAA.
According to Southfront's sources, these T-62M tanks that fell into the hands of the rebels most likely came from a batch of tanks that Russia supplied to the SAA in late 2017, although the exact time they fell into the rebels' hands is unclear.
Southfront reports that Russia's continuous supply of T-62M tanks to Syria demonstrates the tank's proven strength and reliability in battles against terrorists, particularly in intense confrontations with US-made TOW anti-tank missiles.
To achieve this, the T-62M tanks have just completed a comprehensive upgrade package in Russia, including engine and offensive/defensive systems, before being transferred to the SAA.
Although these heavy tanks have been recovered, no damage caused by the T-62M to government forces has been recorded during the Daraa liberation campaign.
