Russian Ammunition Ship Did Dock in Syria Say Rights Group

A Russian cargo ship that Western officials say was heavily laden with weapons for the government of Syria docked at the Syrian port of Tartus, a rights group claims

According to Reuters, Washington condemned the reported weapons delivery.

"Today's updated shipping databases show that the cargo ship  Professor Katsman did in fact dock in the port of Tartus on May 26, 2012 before heading to Piraeus, Greece," Sadia Hameed of Human Rights First told Reuters.

Western officials confirmed her remarks, adding that they understood the ship had been carrying arms for the government of Syria, which for 14 months has been using its security forces to attack an increasingly militarized opposition.

One Western diplomat told Reuters the shipment included heavy weapons, though it was not immediately clear what kind of heavy arms.