Wily UK Blocks Russian Helicopters Bound for Syria

Insurance withdrawn for MV Alaed cargo vessel
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 19, 2012 7:29 AM CDT
Updated Jun 19, 2012 7:52 AM CDT
Wily UK Blocks Russian Heliopters Bound for Syria
This image made from amateur video released by the Shaam News Network and accessed Monday, June 18, 2012, purports to show smoke rising from buildings in Homs, Syria.   (AP Photo/Shaam News Network via AP video)

Following a request from Washington, the UK has moved to block Russia from delivering refurbished attack helicopters to Syria. London's Standard Club withdrew the insurance for the Russian cargo vessel allegedly carrying the copters, the MV Alaed, as it was about 50 miles off the north coast of Scotland, meaning the MV Alaed must get new coverage before it can continue sailing.

The Standard Club said it had been informed "that the ship might be carrying weapons, in particular attack helicopters, missiles, and non-specific munitions," and needed more information as "there are exclusion clauses in our cover and, for anyone involved in improper or unlawful trade, we can cancel cover." The boat is believed to have halted its journey off the Western Isles, the BBC reports. No word yet from the Russian embassy in London, and it is not clear what the vessel may do now. (More Russia stories.)

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