Russian trucks arrive in Syria to take out chemical weapons

PanARMENIAN.Net - The first batch of Russian trucks to be used for transporting Syria’s chemical weapons for subsequent destruction have arrived in the Syrian city of Latakia, the Russian ambassador said.

“Nine flights were performed today, and more will follow,” Ambassador Azamat Kulmukhametov said, according to RIA Novosti.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), an international watchdog overseeing the disarmament effort in war-torn Syria, said earlier in the day that Russia would send 65 trucks, as well as water tanks and other logistical supplies to the country.

Moscow is also ready to provide security for cargo operations at the port of Latakia and in Syrian territorial waters while weapons stocks are transferred to a U.S. navy ship that will neutralize the chemicals.

The transfer of Russians vehicles and equipment is due to be completed by year-end. Russia is among many countries assisting the disarmament effort in Syria.

The operation to destroy Syria’s arsenal of more than 1,000 metric tons of weapons-grade chemicals is due to take place in two stages. The most dangerous weapons have to be removed from Syria by the end of December and destroyed at sea by April, the rest is slated for destruction by mid-2014.