Russian mercenary organization the Wagner group is preparing to deliver advanced air defense systems to the Hezbollah terrorist organization, the Wall Street Journal reported.
US intelligence officials warned that the Wagner group is in talks with Hezbollah to provide the terrorist organization with the SA-22 system, a Russian-made truck-mounted surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery system.
The system has been used in Russia's war against Ukraine. Officials fear that the system could be deployed in Lebanon to protect Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists who launch rockets, mortars, and anti-tank missiles against communities in northern Israel.
Both Hezbollah and the Wagner Group have forces stationed in Syria, where both organizations are supporting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Earlier today (Thursday), the northern community of Kiryat Shmona was struck by rockets fired from Lebanon. The Hamas terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the rocket fire.
The IDF has retaliated against the Hamas and Hezbollah forces which have continuously launched attacks against IDF posts and civilian areas since the Hamas massacre of over 1,400 Israelis in southern Israel on October 7. The delivery of the system could give Hezbollah and Hamas greater impunity to attack Israel.
Russia has supported Hamas since the massacre and condemned Israel's retaliation. Russian officials have even met with Hamas officials in Moscow to discuss the war.