Bulgaria closes its airspace to Russian freighters

With Russia reported to be positioning about a half-dozen tanks at an airfield in Syria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria has refused to grant clearance to Russian military transport aircraft to fly through Bulgarian air space on the way to Syria from Russia through Sept. 24.

The reason for the refusal, the ministry said, is that it believes the Russians have been giving them incorrect information regarding the purpose of the flights and the cargo. Moscow said the government is sending humanitarian aid, but Bulgarian officials suspect that the aircraft may be carrying equipment for Russia to increase its military presence in Syria.

Reuters reported that the United States requested Greece and Bulgaria close their airspace for Russian flights to Syria, with the Russian Foreign Ministry firing back, saying that the request amounted to “international boorishness.” Moscow said it’s simply helping Damascus fight Islamic militants.