BEIRUT, LEBANON (5:45 P.M.) – The Head of the Defense Committee at Duma Council Vladimir Shamanov said on Tuesday that Syria has the right to use all of its weapons to defend the country and maintain its territorial sovereignty.

In a statement to journalists on Tuesday, Shamanov said that the Russian-supplied S-300 air defense system are highly protective and Syria has the right to use them in order to protect its national interests.

He noted that the Syrian soldiers have completed the training exercises necessary to use the S-300 missiles independently.

The Russian official did not specify whether or not Moscow will send more military advisers to instruct the Syrian Army on the use of the S-300 system.

Shamanov’s comments come shortly after the Mayor of Jerusalem said that Israel will attack the S-300 systems if Syria downs an Israel aircraft during an attack.