Assad: Russia has sent missiles to Syria

Syrian president Bashar Assad has been quoted by a Lebanese TV station as saying a shipment of Russian air defence missiles has arrived in his country.

Al-Manar TV, owned by the militant Hezbollah group, is to air an exclusive interview with Mr Assad later today.

The station released Mr Assad’s comment on the long-range S-300 Russian missiles through its breaking news service to clients.

Israel’s defence chief, Moshe Yaalon, said that a Russian plan to supply Syria with the weapons is a threat and signalled that Israel is prepared to use force to stop the delivery.