Wily UK Blocks Russian Helicopters Bound for Syria

Following a request from Washington, the UK has moved to block Russia from delivering refurbished attack helicopters to Syria. London's Standard Club withdrew the insurance for the Russian cargo vessel allegedly carrying the copters, the MV Alaed, as it was about 50 miles off the north coast of Scotland, meaning the MV Alaed must get new coverage before it can continue sailing.

The Standard Club said it had been informed "that the ship might be carrying weapons, in particular attack helicopters, missiles, and non-specific munitions," and needed more information as "there are exclusion clauses in our cover and, for anyone involved in improper or unlawful trade, we can cancel cover." The boat is believed to have halted its journey off the Western Isles, the BBC reports. No word yet from the Russian embassy in London, and it is not clear what the vessel may do now. (More Russia stories.)