Turkey again seizes Iranian weapons destined for Syria
Special to WorldTribune.com
ANKARA — Turkey has reported the first seizure of an Iranian weapons
shipment to Syria in 2012.
Officials said four trucks loaded with Iranian military equipment were
stopped and impounded in the border province of Kilis on Jan. 10. They said
the equipment, destined for neighboring Syria, was sent to Turkish
authorities in Ankara for inspection.
“The four trucks were confiscated by customs,” Kilis Gov. Yusef Odabas
said. “They are alleged to be carrying military equipment.”
This marked the first Turkish seizure of Iranian military equipment to
Syria this year. At least three such seizures were reported last year amid the
revolt against Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Diplomats said the government of Prime Minister Recep Erdogan has been
under strong pressure from the United States and NATO to halt Iranian
weapons shipments to Syria. They said Washington has been working to
intensify Turkish ground and naval operations as part of an embargo on the
Assad regime.
On Jan. 9, a U.S. delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of State William
Burns urged Ankara to also intensify sanctions on Iran. Turkey has been one
of the largest importers of Iranian crude oil and natural gas.
Odabas said Turkish customs officers confiscated the Iranian weapons
shipment at the Oncupinar crossing, located along the Syrian border. He said
the officers were tipped off by police of the approaching convoy.
via Turkey again seizes Iranian weapons destined for Syria | World Tribune.