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CNN: Assad Agrees to Send Missile System to Hezbollah

File Photo: SA-22 missile system
File Photo: SA-22 missile system
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CNN: Assad Agrees to Send Missile System to Hezbollah

File Photo: SA-22 missile system
File Photo: SA-22 missile system

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has agreed to provide the Lebanese Hezbollah with a Russian-made missile defense system, according to two sources familiar with the intelligence, CNN reported on Friday.

The Wagner Group has been tasked with carrying out the delivery of the surface-to-air SA-22 missile system, the sources said. 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 the recent movement of the system.

The other source said the US assessment was based partly on discussions among Assad, Wagner, and Hezbollah about the delivery of the system.

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Wagner may provide the system to Hezbollah.

Assad’s role has not been previously reported.

The possibility that Hezbollah could soon have a new air defense system comes amid concerns that the militants are considering opening a new front in Israel’s war on Hamas, on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, CNN added.

The US has repeatedly warned Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups to stay out of the conflict and has positioned aircraft carriers and troops in the region to try to deter a potential escalation.

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US Accuses Houthis of Undermining Yemen Peacemaking Efforts

US State Department regional spokesperson Samuel Werberg speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat (PHOTO CREDIT: Saad Al-Anzi)
US State Department regional spokesperson Samuel Werberg speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat (PHOTO CREDIT: Saad Al-Anzi)
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US Accuses Houthis of Undermining Yemen Peacemaking Efforts

US State Department regional spokesperson Samuel Werberg speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat (PHOTO CREDIT: Saad Al-Anzi)
US State Department regional spokesperson Samuel Werberg speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat (PHOTO CREDIT: Saad Al-Anzi)

US State Department regional spokesperson Samuel Werberg affirmed that there is no direct communication between the US and the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, adding that Washington can convey messages to the group through media or intermediaries like the Omanis.
The US official criticized the Houthis for undermining efforts by the US and Saudi Arabia to end Yemen’s civil war. He revealed that all the progress made is now at risk because of the Houthis.
Werberg urged the Houthis to stop attacking, focus on Yemen’s internal issues, and work towards a permanent ceasefire.
The spokesperson called the ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea “unjustifiable” and expressed concern over a recent attack on the vessel Sounion, which could lead to a major oil spill.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Werberg noted that a spill of one million barrels would be four times larger than the Exxon Valdez disaster and would harm Yemenis and Egyptians.
He also discussed the US-led “Operation Prosperity Guardian”, saying its main goal is to stop Houthi attacks.
He stated that the operation, including the US, UK, and other nations, aims to prevent the Houthis from launching larger attacks and causing more damage, asserted Werberg.
On the US military response, Werberg emphasized that the US aims to avoid broader conflict.
He clarified that Washington wants to prevent escalation and focus on de-escalation.
Werberg said it’s hard to predict tensions and actions from Iran and its proxies but assured that the US is prepared for all scenarios with its regional partners and allies.
He noted that Iran and the Revolutionary Guard are preparing for potentially larger attacks against Israel or US interests, so the US is also preparing accordingly.
Werberg warned that Iran and its proxies are exploiting political instability in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, and Syria. He emphasized the need to not only end conflicts but also address the political voids in these regions.