Russian ship carrying weapons to Syria monitored by Portugal
The Russian ship Sparta IV, traveling along the Iberian Peninsula, is transporting weapons to Syria, reports Portuguese television SIC.
The Russian cargo ship Sparta IV, belonging to the Russian navy, is transporting armaments and "additional equipment" to Syria - according to Lisbon television SIC, which cites Ukrainian intelligence services confirming the presence of weapons on board the vessel.
Sparta IV set sail for the Mediterranean Sea after stopping off the coast of Portugal, due to a fuel line engine failure. The ship's crew conducted the repairs independently, allowing them to continue the journey.
Observation by Portuguese forces
The Portuguese air force reported that the freighter was accompanied by three other Russian vessels: Aleksandr Otrakovski, Ivan Gren, and Bawenit.
These ships were observed by the crews of two Portuguese warships and a helicopter as they spent over 60 hours in waters under Portuguese jurisdiction.
