Russian warships flee port in Syria as the world braces for US missile strike
THESE satellite pictures capture Russian warships deserting a naval port in Syria as fears of US airstrikes grow.
The overhead photos show at least 11 navy vessels appear to have left the Tartus military base on the Syrian coast.
The port is said to be protected by Moscow's menacing S-300 and S-400 missile defence systems.
But the photos, believed to have been taken last week, suggest just one submarine remains at the base.
It is unclear if the vessels set sail in order to flee from a potential strike.
Yevgeny Serebrennikov, the first deputy chairman of the Russian upper house's defence committee, stressed his nation's troops are being heavily protected.
He said: "The Russian military bases in Hmeymim and Tartus are under firm protection.
"At the same time, we expect that in the event of US strikes, if any, the lives of our servicemen will not be in danger.
"I think that the United States understands this and will not allow it, because otherwise, Russia's response will be immediate."
Russia said it is is prepared to shoot down any missiles fired on its Syrian ally.
It comes after a deadly chemical attack on rebel-held Douma on Saturday killed around 70 people, including kids.
But it is unclear if these latest snaps, taken by satellite imaging and intelligence firm ISI, indeed confirm readiness to intercept missiles or just suggest the vessels are on a training exercise.
Vladimir Putin first launched a military intervention in Syria back in 2015.
He said in December around 48,000 troops were fighting in Syria.
Donald Trump, meanwhile, tweeted today stressing he has never said when an attack on Syria would take place.
Should the US attack, experts expect it will be a Tomahawk missile from a destroyer in the Mediterranean - just like it did in April last year after a similar chemical attack outrage to that carried out Eastern Ghouta last Saturday.
But over the last year Moscow has been strengthening the much feared S-400 air defence units to bases in Syria.
They have the lethal capability to shoot down 80 enemy fighter jets or missiles at any one time.
Effectively this provides an air cover umbrella across the majority of the war-torn country.
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