Has Syria already received S-300 missile defense system?

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu announced today that his country will provide Syria with S-300 missile defense system within two weeks in order to boost the capabilities of Syrian air defenses to protect the Russian soldiers in Syria.

This comes after Israel Air Force used the Russian Il-20 as a shield while attacking targets in Syria, which led to the downing of the aircraft by Syrian air defenses last week.

However, an Ilyushin Il-76MD plane of the Russian Air Force 223rd Flight Unit was spotted flying from Russian Air Force base in Mozdok, Ossetia to the Russian base in Humaymim, Latakia through Turkish airspace.

LIVE⚠️ Russian Air Force 223rd Flight Unit Ilyushin Il-76MD plane is flying from Russian Air Force base in Mozdok Ossetia to Humaymim Russian AFB in #Latakia #Syria through Turkish airspace. pic.twitter.com/XK9OVvg28j

— Yörük Işık (@YorukIsik) September 24, 2018

The Ilyushin Il-76MD is a multi-purpose four-engine turbofan strategic air-lifter, which was designed to deliver heavy machinery to remote, poorly served areas.

According to unconfirmed reports, the Il-76MD plane was already carrying the advanced S-300 missile defense system destined for the Syrian Army.

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