Russia mainains war fleet in Mediterranean away from Syria – for now

Russian navy chief Vice Admiral Viktor Chirkov’s statement Friday that the 10-ship war fleet massed in the Mediterranean with escort vessels will not dock at the Syrian port of Tartus but only hold military drills is seen in Washington and Jerusalem as a last warning against foreign intervention in the Syrian conflict. The warning is underscored by the size of the Russian fleet, its proximity to the Syrian battlefield and the fact that it is carrying marines – the resources for an active role.