MOSCOW: A train carrying war “trophies” captured in Syria left Moscow on Saturday on a two-month tour to parade Russia’s military gains in the eight-year conflict.

The train went on show at Moscow’s Kazansky station, before heading to Russian-annexed Crimea. It will then make its way to the Russian Far East, before returning to Moscow in April via Arctic, visiting 60 cities along the way.

The Russian defence ministry said in a statement that it will travel 28,500 kilometres carrying “trophy weapons”.

On Saturday, Muscovites were invited to see the train, which carries tanks and other military vehicles — many with Arabic writing on them — captured from Syrian rebels and jihadists.

Visitors could board carriages displaying captured AK-47 assault rifles and drones. The train also has a shop selling military souvenirs.

Singers performed patriotic songs at the train station as soldiers presented the heavy weaponry to visitors.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2019