Iranian warships arrive in Syria, witness says

After traveling through Suez Canal, vessels dock in Latakia seaport; Iranians reject Israeli criticism, say ships pose no threat.

Iranian frigate (warship) 'IS Alvand' in Suez AP 311 (photo credit: AP)
Iranian frigate (warship) 'IS Alvand' in Suez AP 311
(photo credit: AP)
DAMASCUS, Syria — Two Iranian warships arrived at Syria's Latakia seaport on Thursday, according to an eyewitness report.
The ships arrived Thursday afternoon. The witness spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
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The two Iranian vessels sailed through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean this week, the first such trip in at least three decades.
The voyage has raised tensions with archrival Israel and could further destabilize the Middle East. The region already is reeling from an unprecedented wave of anti-government rebellions.
The chief of Iran's navy on Wednesday rejected Israeli criticism, saying the vessels pose no threat to the region. Iran has said the ships are in Syria for a training mission.