Russian warship crosses Dardanelles

ÇANAKKALE - Anatolia News Agency

AA Photo

Russia’s destroyer-class warship Smetlivy, which patrolled waters off the coast of Syria in April and May, passed through the Dardanelles today amid heightened tension in Syria.

Accompanied by a Turkish coastguard boat, the Smetlivy sailed to the Aegean Sea. It is not clear whether the warship is headed to Syria or not.

Moscow is a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and has a naval base in Tartus.