Syria’s Bashar Assad has received Russia’s missiles: report

Syrian President Bashar Assad appeared on Lebanese television Thursday and said he has received the first shipment of missiles from Russia.

The television station, Al-Manar TV, is owned by Hezbollah, and Mr. Assad’s claims have not been verified by independent press. But the station is scheduled to broadcast a sit-down interview with the beleaguered Syrian president late Thursday, The Associated Press reported.

He’s expected to expand on remarks about the Russian gift, which he claims are long-range S-300 air defense missiles, AP said.

Russia’s provision of weapons to Syria’s government has been condemned by Israeli and American officials, who say such a partnership will escalate an already bloody and violent two-year conflict.