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Russia has no warships near Syria, Defence Ministry says

“The Iman crew consists of civilian personnel. There is a guard unit aboard,” the ministry said

MOSCOW, March 19 (Itar-Tass) —— The Russian Defence Ministry denied media reports claiming that Russian Navy ships have been spotted off Syria.

“The Russian Defence Ministry was surprised by some media reports claiming that Russian Navy warships have appeared near the Syrian coast. The Russian Navy has no warships near Syria,” the ministry said on Monday, March 19.

“An auxiliary vessel, the tanker Iman, has been at the Syrian port of Tartus for 10 days. It provided logistical support to the Black Sea and Northern Fleet ships that participated in the anti-pirate mission in the Gulf of Aden,” it said.

“The Iman crew consists of civilian personnel. There is a guard unit aboard,” the ministry said.