Russia Is Violating The EU Ban To Smuggle Jet Fuel To Syria

Russian military jets are seen at Hmeymim air base in Syria, June 18, 2016. REUTERS/Vadim Savitsky/Russian Defense Ministry via Reuters/File Photo

Reuters: Exclusive: Russian tankers defy EU ban to smuggle jet fuel to Syria - sources

Russian tankers have smuggled jet fuel to Syria through EU waters, bolstering military supplies to a war-torn country where Moscow is carrying out air strikes in support of the government, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.

At least two Russian-flagged ships made deliveries - which contravene EU sanctions - via Cyprus, an intelligence source with a European Union government told Reuters. There was a sharp increase in shipments in October, said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

A separate shipping source familiar with the movements of the Russian-flagged vessels said the ships visited Cypriot and Greek ports before delivering fuel to Syria.

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WNU Editor: For what it is worth .... Russia has responded by saying that they are not violating the EU ban because they are only supplying their air group (not Syria's) .... Russia says EU ban on fuel supply to Syria not related to its air group: agencies (Reuters).