Spain is coming under pressure from Nato allies not to allow the refuelling of Russian warships bound for Syria.
(BBC)- The Spanish government is now reviewing the permit for refuelling at its enclave of Ceuta in north Africa.
The UK said it would be “extremely concerned” if the refuelling went ahead.
Nato expressed concern that the ships could be used to help bomb civilians in Aleppo, but said the final decision on resupply rested with Spain.
The battle group has been sailing for the past week from Russia via the English Channel to the Mediterranean. It was expected to pass through the Strait of Gibraltar on Wednesday.
The warships were then due to take on fuel and supplies at Ceuta on the Moroccan coast. Nato’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned that warships could be used to target civilians in Syria.
Led by Russia’s only aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, the naval group includes a nuclear-powered battle cruiser, two anti-submarine warships and four support vessels, probably escorted by submarines.
The battle group carries dozens of fighter bombers and helicopters and is expected to join around 10 other Russian vessels already off the Syrian coast.
(Photo Credit: BBC/AP)