News Brief
Russia's Wagner Group To Send Advanced Missiles To Hezbollah Amid Escalating Israel-Hamas Conflict: US Intelligence Report
Nayan Dwivedi
Nov 03, 2023, 12:46 PM | Updated 12:46 PM IST
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US Intelligence has raised concerns over Russia's Wagner Group reportedly preparing to supply an advanced air defence missile system to Hezbollah, following recent clashes between the Lebanese militia and Israel.
The SA-22, also known as the Pantsir-S1, is at the centre of discussions. This Russian-made system employs anti-aircraft missiles and guns, making it a valuable asset for countering airstrikes.
As reported by NDTV, the SA-22 has not been delivered to Lebanon, but American officials are closely monitoring negotiations between the Wagner Group and Hezbollah.
These developments come amid heightened tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border, coinciding with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The potential transfer of this weapon raises questions about whether it might find its way to Gaza, where it could potentially aid Hamas in its battle against Israel.
Russian officials are yet to comment on the reported discussions with Hezbollah.
In response to these developments, the US has bolstered its presence in the region, stationing an aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean to deter Hezbollah from collaborating with Hamas for attacks on Israel.
Against the backdrop of this escalating conflict, the leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad recently convened to declare their united front against Israel, referring to themselves as the "axis of resistance".
They seek to secure a "real victory for the resistance in Gaza and Palestine" while putting a stop to what they describe as Israel's "treacherous and brutal aggression" against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.
The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile as international observers closely watch for further developments and potential escalations.
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Nayan Dwivedi is Staff Writer at Swarajya.
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