August 07, 2006
The majority of the Israeli Defense Force's ground-troop casualties, both infantry and armored, were the result of Russian-made anti-tank units of Hezbollah, according to intelligence sources quoted by Haaretz daily.Naturally, the Russians are in denial.The same sources note that these units have not retreated from southern Lebanon following the deployment of large Israeli ground forces in the area.
The Hezbollah anti-tank teams use a new and particularly potent version of the Russian-made RPG, the RPG-29 that was sold by Moscow to the Syrians and then transferred to the Shi'ite organization.
At first Israeli inquiries that Russia was transferring modern anti-tank weapons to Syria and on to Hezbollah were received with anger. The Russians demanded proof that this had been done.So, the Russians can't identify their equipment without a serial number. What a bunch of hooey!Contrary to common practice, Israel transferred to Russia the tail-end of a rocket for analysis. The Russian response was that in the absence of a serial number it was difficult to identify it as part of a load delivered to Syria.
Notably, in a later report and contrary to the above, Russia flatly denies supplying arms to the Middle East.
Russia has not supplied modern anti-tank armaments to the Middle East, so Hezbollah militants cannot possibly be in possession of them, Deputy President of the Academy of Geopolitical Problems Col. Gen. Leonid Ivashov told Interfax-AVN.Ivashov's assertion is based on the belief that there would be many more casualties if Russian weapons were used. Pretty arrogant, I'd say.
Frankly, I believe that the Russians just haven't had a chance to formulate a consistent story. Even so, one can't help but sense that they're hip deep in culpability.
Companion post at Interested-Participant.
Posted by: Mike Pechar at
05:43 PM
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Indeed, a consistent story is exceedingly important when dealing with RPGs.
Posted by: George guy at August 07, 2006 06:06 PM (QkOQC)
It's complete bull for Russians to deny selling advanced weaponary to the middle east. They've always been the main supplier in the region. They've sold Eshkaval (spelling?) torpedoes as well as their most modern SAM airdefence systems to the Islamic Republic ruling Iran. Not to mention selling nuclear technology to the Mullahs.
Posted by: Garduneh Mehr at August 07, 2006 06:22 PM (Bp6wV)
Posted by: Jester at August 07, 2006 07:26 PM (TuAMG)
Posted by: ansar al-kufir at August 08, 2006 04:07 AM (+fSLY)
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at August 08, 2006 09:45 AM (v3I+x)
So they are admitting that they do ship these to Syria. No surprise there, they've been supplying the entire third world with their weapons for what 50-60 years.
Typical Russian response though, lie first, then try to come up with a plausible excuse.
Posted by: memphis761 at August 08, 2006 01:48 PM (D3+20)
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at August 08, 2006 02:28 PM (v3I+x)
Posted by: greyrooster at August 08, 2006 05:53 PM (BQiRv)
I mean seriously, are you in denial or something? Look around- the US is arming the worlds worst dictatorships, and you guys are beating up on the Russians..
Posted by: Jimbo at August 10, 2006 01:27 AM (wqJBS)
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at August 11, 2006 11:13 AM (v3I+x)
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