Russian Flotilla Headed for Syria Enters Mediterranean
Jul. 24, 2012 - 03:58PM AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120724/DEFREG04/307240006/Russian-Flotilla-Headed-Syria-Enters-Mediterranean

MOSCOW — A Russian naval flotilla of warships destined for the Syrian port
of Tartus has entered the Mediterranean, Russia’s defense ministry said July
24.

“The Russian ships today passed the Strait of Gibraltar and entered the
Mediterranean at 1200 GMT,” said a defense ministry spokesman, quoted by
Itar-Tass agency.

Led by the Admiral Chabanenko anti-submarine destroyer, the three landing
craft left their home port of Severomorsk in the Arctic Circle earlier this
month. They are due to be joined in the Mediterranean by the Russian patrol
ship Yaroslav Mudry as well as an assistance vessel.

The ships will perform “planned military maneuvers,” said the ministry.
Earlier in the month a military source said the ships would be topping up on
supplies of fuel, water and foodstuffs.

Russia has denied that the deployment is linked to the escalating conflict
in Syria.