Russia starts Kavkaz-2012 military drills

The Southern Military District of Russia has started the Kavkaz-2012 military drills today, RIA Novosti reports.

Army General Nikolai Makarov, Commander of the Russian General Staff, will command the drills on September 17-23. Up to 8,000 people, over 200 vehicles, about 100 artillery guns, 10 ships and motorboats will be used in the drills.

Training will be held at the ranges of Prudboy, Kapustin Yar, Ashuluk and Rayevskoye.

Colonel-General Alexander Postnikov, Deputy Commander of the Russian General Staff, said that foreign observers were not invited, but may take part in the training.

Units from military bases in Armenia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia will not take part in the training.

The military plan to use Iskander complexes, cruise missiles and almost all forces of the Black Sea Fleet.

Adapted from vestnikkavkaza.net