CNN has learned that U.S. intelligence agencies have identified three Russian amphibious warships in the eastern Mediterranean that are believed to be carrying weapons shipments that might be used to resupply the Syrian regime, according to a Pentagon official. The official declined to be named due to the sensitive nature of the information. The United States has been tracking the ships since they left Russian ports several days ago. U.S. satellites were able to see some indications of containers being loaded onto the ships. Although it's not confirmed, it's believed the ships may be carrying some components of the controversial Russian S-300 air defense missile system and other weapons for the regime.
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U.S. intelligence: Three Russian warships in the Mediterranean may have weapons for Syria
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The ships are believed to be carrying parts of an air defense missile system
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Such a system would make striking targets in Syria more difficult, U.S. believes
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U.S. aircraft carrier, a Patriot missile battery and F-16s will be in the Mideast this month
The official said the United States  did not see any military helicopters being loaded;  it is  believed the @placeholder want to add the helicopters to their inventories.