Spain is reviewing a request by a Russian flotilla to refuel in its North African enclave of Ceuta, the foreign ministry said, as NATO raised concerns that the warships headed for Syria could be used to target civilians in Aleppo. Spain, a NATO member, added that it had been allowing Russian navy ships to dock in Spanish ports for years, but that it treated such requests on a case by case basis. The naval deployment is carrying dozens of fighter bombers and helicopters and is expected to join around 10 other Russian vessels already off the Syrian coast, diplomats said. Washington's envoy to NATO said Russia was within its right to move vessels through international waters. Ambassador Douglas Lute raised concerns that the aircraft carrier would be used to contribute to bombing of civilian targets around Aleppo.

Source: Egypt Independent October 26, 2016 09:22 UTC