Boxes had spare radar parts for Syria: Report

ISTANBUL

AFP Photo

Cargo on board a Syrian plane that was grounded by Turkish authorities on Oct. 10 was transporting spare parts for Syrian radar and air defense mechanisms, according to sources cited by Russian daily Kommersant.
 
A Russian diplomat speaking to the paper said there were no arms on the plane, but simply spare parts for radars and manuals explaining their usage.
 
The report further stated that no extensive permit was needed to transport such cargo since the boxes did not contain anything sharp, explosive or flammable.

Turkish authorities forced down the plane, which was en route from Moscow to Damascus, on suspicions that it was transporting weapons. Ankara has dismissed speculation that the incident will negatively affect relations with Moscow, but Russia reacted furiously after the event, sparking fears of a deterioration in Russian-Turkish ties.