Report: Assad agreed to send Russian missile system to Hezbollah

The US has intelligence that Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has agreed to provide the Hezbollah terrorist organization with a Russian-made missile defense system, CNN reported on Thursday, citing two people familiar with the intelligence.

According to the report, Russian mercenary organization Wagner Group, which operates in Syria, has been tasked with carrying out the delivery of the surface-to-air SA-22 missile system.

It is not clear whether it has already been delivered or how close it is to delivery. The system was originally provided by Russia for use by the Syrian government, the sources said.

One of the sources said the US has been monitoring recent movement of the system, which is also known as a Pantsir. The other source said the US assessment was based partly on intelligence obtained about discussions among Assad, Wagner, and Hezbollah about the delivery of the system.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier on Thursday that Wagner may provide the system to Hezbollah. Assad’s role has not been previously reported. READ MORE