Armed groups in Syria receive weapons from Israel

Armed gangs in Syria have been receiving Israel-made weapons found in Latakia Province near the border with Turkey, Press TV has learned. The revelation comes days after the Syrian army regained control over the northwestern Syrian village of al-Haffeh in Latakia, at the request of the local residents. Images taken from the strategic mountainous region show trenches constructed and used by the armed groups. Weapons made in Israel and imported ammunition chests were also found. Various weapons and uniforms belonging to the rebels were also confiscated by the Syrian army. The uniforms were said to be those of the Jordanian military. Locals said the armed groups burned electricity services building, sabotaged security installations, and attacked civilians, forcing them to join anti-government protests.

The developments also come days after Israeli President Shimon Peres put his weight behind armed groups in Syria. Peres said in an interview with Israeli public radio in early June that he respected the armed gangs, who “expose themselves to live fire and I hope that they will win.” The unrest in Syria began in March 2011. Many people, including security forces, have been killed in the turmoil.

The West and the Syrian opposition accuse the government of killing the protesters, but Damascus blames “outlaws, saboteurs, and armed terrorist groups” for the unrest, insisting that it is being orchestrated from abroad.