Bruce Barnard, Special Correspondent | Jun 19, 2012 10:06AM EDT
U.K. marine insurer Standard Club has withdrawn coverage for a Russian cargo vessel said to be transporting attack helicopters and arms to Syria.
The MV Alaed, currently sailing in the North Sea off the eastern coast of Scotland, is alleged to have picked up the MI-25 helicopters and munitions in the Russian Baltic port of Kaliningrad and is thought to be en route to the Syrian port of Tartous.
U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton last week alleged Russia was sending attack helicopters to the al-Assad regime that could be used against civilians.
The Standard Club acted after being informed the ship was carrying arms. Providing insurance for arms exports to Syria is banned under European Union sanctions.
The withdrawal of insurance affects seven other vessels operated by Alaed’s owner, Russia’s Femco group.
Contact Bruce Barnard at brucebarnard47@hotmail.com.
