Russia's Wagner Group Could Provide Air Defense System To Hezbollah: Report

The U.S. has intelligence suggesting the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, may be considering providing an air defense system to the Lebanese militia group Hezbollah, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing unnamed officials. 

The air defense system under consideration is the SA-22, equipped with antiaircraft missiles and air defense guns for intercepting aircraft, the Journal said. 

While no confirmation has been made regarding the system's shipment, citing one U.S. official, the Wall Street Journal has reported that discussions involving Wagner and Hezbollah are under close monitoring, and the potential delivery is causing significant concern.

In an effort to deter Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, from potentially engaging in hostilities against Israel from the country's northern front, the United States has deployed an aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Journal said.

It's worth noting that Wagner maintains personnel in Syria, where Hezbollah fighters are also present.

Earlier Thursday the Egypt's foreign ministry said Egypt will help evacuate "about 7,000" foreigners and dual nationals from the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, with Egyptian officials saying some 400 people were expected to cross Thursday, WSJ reports. 

For the first time after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants, the Rafah border crossing opened on Wednesday to let people out of Gaza.

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Photo of Krug air defence system via Wikimedia Commons.