U.S. is involved in the coordination and logistics of supplying MANPADS to Syrian rebels - Russian Foreign Ministry

Today Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich accused the U.S. of involvement in the coordination and logistics of supplying MANPADS (man-portable air defense systems) to the Syrian opposition.

These words should be considered as a comment on a recent statement by the Chief of the General Staff, Nikolai Makarov, highlighting that insurgents in Syria have MANPADS of various types, including "Stingers" of American manufacture. The U.S. State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland refuted the version of direct arms supplies to Syrian militants.

"Yes, the U.S. does not supply MANPADS to militants in Syria. However, it is well known that Washington is aware of the supply of various types of weapons to illegal armed groups operating in Syria. Moreover, the United States, according to the confessions of American officials published by the American media, coordinate and provide logistical support to such supplies," RIA Novosti quotes Lukashevich.

According to him, Russia's position on this matter remains the same. "We call on all the countries to stop supporting illegal armed groups in Syria, to do everything possible to prevent the ingress of MANPADS in the hands of those whose actions cannot be controlled, especially given the voiced militant threats to shoot down civilian aircraft," Lukashevich said.