US intel says Russia’s Wagner to provide missiles to Hezbollah
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Wagner Group, a paramilitary organization funded by the Russian state, plans to provide the SA-22 air-defense system missiles to the Lebanese Hezbollah, US officials said on Thursday citing intelligence.
The Wall Street Journal said the Russian Embassy did not respond to a request for comment on the matter, but a US official expressed concern about the accuracy of the news.
“The information that was reported by The Wall Street Journal is concerning,” said Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the White House’s National Security Council, adding, “We know that Russia has refused to condemn Hamas for its horrific terrorist attack on Israel and they recently hosted Hamas officials in Moscow. This comes as Russia is continuing to commit atrocities in Ukraine.”
The Wagner Group has emerged as a significant force in Russia’s military efforts over the past decade. Initially operating in the shadows, it gained prominence during the Arab Spring and the Euromaidan crisis in Ukraine. Led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent figure from Russia’s criminal underworld with ties to the Kremlin who died in a plane crash in August, the Wagner Group has transformed into a slickly marketed brand-name paramilitary.
The group is believed to have entered Syria in mid-2015, shortly after Russia officially intervened in the Syrian conflict to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Their initial deployment was likely in response to the escalating conflict and the need for additional military support for the Syrian government forces. The group participated in several significant battles and military operations alongside the Syrian government forces.
The intelligence comes amid broader concerns that Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, may open up a northern front against Israel. The US has positioned an aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean to try to deter Hezbollah and Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Similar to the Wagner Group, the Lebanese Hezbollah also has deployed its militants in Syria to support the Syrian government in its decade-long conflict against the opposition.
The Russian SA-22 system has been provided to Syria and would be sent to Hezbollah with Assad’s concurrence if the delivery goes through, according to one person familiar with the US intelligence reports, the US newspaper read.
It is worth mentioning that Russia has not involved in the Israel-Hamas war so far, but it received Hamas leaders in Moscow. Therefore, such a step could be a way for Russia to assume its role in the war.
The SA-22 air-defense system, also called the Pantsir, is mounted on a wheeled military vehicle. The system was designed by Russia to intercept aircraft, drones and enemy precision guided munitions.