Nato puts 300,000 troops on ‘HIGH ALERT’ amid fears of all out confrontation with Russia

NATO is said to be preparing a military force of up to 300,000 personnel, capable of being deployed within just two months, in response to growing tensions between the West and Russia.

Secretary General of Nato, Jens Stoltenberg, said the allied nations are putting hundreds of thousands of troops in a state of high alert in an effort to deter a mounting threat from Moscow.

While Nato cut its defence budget and military investment since the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia has been bolstering its military capabilities, holding parades involving more than 100,000 troops each year.

Russian marine and air power head for Syria versus Western intervention – “to defend Russian citizens,” says Moscow

Just one day after the G8 Summit ended in the failure of Western leaders to overcome Russian resistance to a resolution mandating President Bashar Assad’s ouster, Moscow announced Wednesday June 19, the dispatch to Syria of two warships carrying 600 Russian marines. They were coming, said the official statement, “to protect the Russian citizens there.” Russian Deputy Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Gradusov added that an air force umbrella would be provided the Russian expeditionary force if needed.

Russia Docks Warships in Syria as NATO Arms Turkey

Russian warships docked at a naval base in Syria, according to reports on Wednesday, further separating Moscow from Western actions in the war-torn country.

The two ships made a rare call at the port in Tartus, Russia’s only remaining international military base since the Soviet Union collapsed, according to AFP and Interfax reports. Russian authorities claim the stop was only to load fuel and water and make “minor repairs.” This is the second time the Russian Navy has raised eyebrows in recent weeks, following reports that it docked warships off the coast of Gaza in late November, during the height of the fighting there with Israel.

Russia to deploy amphibious assault ships to protect nationals in Syria

MOSCOW — Russia has reported plans to send a naval force to Syria to protect against the Sunni revolt.

The Russian Navy was said to be planning to sail two amphibious assault ships to the Syrian port of Tartous.

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Interfax said the two Russian Navy ships would contain what was termed a large group of marines. Tsezar Kunikov was designed to transport 150 troops and main battle tanks. The Nikolai Filchenkov was said to be able to transport up to 1,500 tons of equipment.

“The crews of the Nikolai Filchenkov and the Tsezar Kunikov and SB-15 rescue tug together with marines on board are able to ensure security of Russian nationals and evacuate part of the property of the logistical support base if need be,” a Russian source told Interfax.

Full article: Russia to deploy amphibious assault ships to protect nationals in Syria (World Tribune)