The United States on Wednesday warned Russia against selling lethal military equipment to Syria, reiterating the Arab country "is a state sponsor of terrorism."

"We're against the sale of weaponry to Syria, against the sale of lethal military equipment to Syria, which is a state sponsor of terrorism. We think those kinds of sales are not appropriate," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said.

Asked what action Washington would envision against Moscow if the deal went through, Boucher said, "There are potential sanctions under US law. But that would have to be looked at, if and when, such a sale should occur."

Boucher made the remarks when he was commenting reports that Russia is getting ready to sell Syria its SS-26 Iskander missile, which could hit any target in Israel.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is due to pay a historic visit to Russia on January 24 for talks with President Vladimir Putin.

Source: Xinhua