BBC: Ukrainian-made weapons destined to Saudi Arabia sent to Syrian rebels

Three big crates from a Ukrainian arms manufacturer addressed to Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense and Aviation have been seen in a base being used by rebel fighters in the city of Aleppo, the BBC has reported.

«BBC News has uncovered evidence that appears to suggest that weapons intended for the Saudi military have been diverted to Syrian rebels,» reads the statement.

According to labels placed on small-sized crates (gross weight - 30 kg, net weight - 23 kg), the seller of arms for Saudi Arabia's military is the Ukrainian firm Dastan, which specializes in naval weapons and missile complexes. The manufacturer is Luhansk Cartridge Works (LCW), a major ammunition manufacturer, founded in 1895.

Although Dastan's office in Kyiv said that it was not yet ready to comment on the report, it said that the company had not signed contracts with Saudi Arabia.

The label also indicates the date of the contract that was allegedly signed - February 17, 2010 (i.e. a year before anti-government protests in Syria).

The BBC also said that it had not been allowed to film the contents of the crates. How the small crates reached Aleppo is unknown. Saudi Arabia has refused to comment on the matter. Privately, opposition sources have confirmed to the BBC that they are receiving assistance from Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Adapted from Ukrinform