Russian FM: “We Are not Friends or Allies of Assad.”

MUNICH — With the United States and the European Union imposing unprecedented economic sanctions against Iran, and the lingering threat of an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, it was expected that Iran would be a big issue here at the annual Munich Security Conference that opened on Friday. (more…)

Russian Ship Carrying Arms Reached Syria, report

A Russian ship, allegedly carrying tons of weapons, made a dash for Syria after Cypriot officials allowed it to leave their waters, Turkish officials said Thursday.

The ship had made an unscheduled stop in Cyprus Tuesday, technically violating an EU embargo on arms shipments to Syria, which has killed thousands in a crackdown on dissent. (more…)

Turkey seizes 5 Iranian trucks with ‘military materials’ on way to Syria

Istanbul – Turkish customs officials seized a fifth Iranian truck on Wednesday. This development comes after four other trucks were seized on Tuesday on suspicion of carrying arms to Syria, state news agency Anatolian reported. (more…)

Hezbollah, Amal, Baath members are arming Syrian rebels, report

Lebanese security sources have confirmed that “dozens of members of Shiite Hezbollah and Amal movement are involved in smuggling arms across the Syrian border to the Syrian rebels.” These elements buy the weapons in Lebanon and Libya and smuggle them to the “Free Syrian Army”, (more…)

Syria uprising: Prices soar for black-market arms

The demand for black-market weapons in Syria is soaring as the 10-month uprising against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime turns increasingly violent, say Lebanese arms dealers.

Procuring sufficient supplies of weapons and ammunition has become a key requirement of rebel groups, including the Free Syrian Army, a military force composed of deserters from the regular army. (more…)

Explosion in Hezbollah arms depot in south Lebanon

A mysterious explosion occurred overnight near the town of Siddiqin in southern Lebanon. The explosion reportedly took place in a large Hezbollah arms depot .

Hezbollah personnel reportedly prevented Lebanese security forces from arriving at the scene of the blast. (more…)

Experts: Arms smuggling into Syria flourishes

As the revolt in Syria drags on, experts say weapons smuggling into the country has flourished, especially from Lebanon, with automatic weapons, grenades and hunting rifles in high demand.

They say that those behind the trafficking are smugglers in search of quick profits rather than political parties (more…)

Syrian authorities seize arms coming from Lebanon, SANA

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), a Government owned organization reported late Thursday that Syrian authorities at the country’s Jdeidet Yabous border crossing seized a large amount of weapons and ammunition being smuggled in from Lebanon. (more…)

Turkey intercepted arms shipment between Iran and Syria

Turkey’s foreign minister says the country’s authorities have intercepted an arms shipment from Iran to Syria. Ahmet Davutoglu confirmed Friday a report saying a truck containing weapons had been intercepted. (more…)

Siniora: Only Hezbollah arms should be discussed in dialogue talks

Former PM and current Future bloc leader MP Fouad Siniora said in an interview published on Sunday that the national dialogue should “be limited to the issue of Hezbollah’s arms so that it will be purposeful and meaningful.” (more…)