Cyprus Stops Syria-bound Russian Ammunition Ship

After making an unscheduled stop in Cyprus for refueling, a Russian cargo ship carrying a large amount of arms to Syria was in violation of an EU embargo on such shipments. Although, after technically violating, the vessel was allowed to continue on its voyage after a destination change.

The St. Vincent and Grenadine-flagged ship, owned by Westberg Ltd., left the St. Petersburg port for Turkey and Syria. As Russia and Turkey are not European Union members, this specific route would not have violated the embargo which has been set in place to protest Syria’s crackdown on the uprising against President Bashar Assad’s rule.

The Chariot drew attention after dropping anchor off the Cypriot port of Limassol due to high seas. Customs officials boarded the ship to examine the cargo, but were unable to open the containers due to confined space. Officials stated the ship contained dangerous cargo, like tons of ammunition. After authorities consulted with the Russian ship owners, the ship’s route was altered and the vessel was allowed to leave.

The new destination is still unclear, but speculations are for Turkey, one of the Assad regime’s most vocal critics.

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UPDATE: After making a promise with Cypriot officials to change their initial route to Syria, a Russian cargo ship with alleged weapons and ammunition onboard made their way to their intended destination.

After being stopped in Cyprus under suspicion, the ship owners promised officials that they were only going to Turkey. According to the Turkish Navy, the ship docked at Syria’s port or Tartus. This is a frequent resupply stop for Russian warships.

The Chariot, owned by Westberg Ltd., is believed to have turned off its tracking device. No one at Westberg Ltd. is responding to comments. The ship is reported to have 35 to 60 tons of ammunition and explosives.