Helicopters 'will return to Syria'

Three Syrian attack helicopters which have been refurbished in Russia will be sent back to Syria, Russian defence officials have reportedly said.

Last week, a cargo ship carrying the helicopters to Syria was forced to turn back after its British insurer removed coverage for the vessel.

Alexander Fomin, the Russian defence official, was quoted by the Ria Novosti news agency as saying that Moscow plans to deliver the helicopters, without specifying how or when.

Russia has said the helicopters were supplied to Syria during Soviet times and refurbished under a 2008 contract.

Moscow has continued to provide Damascus with arms, despite Western calls for a halt in supplies.