Through an official statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the country’s Navy conducted new tests of hypersonic and cruise missile launches in the Mediterranean, including systems capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Specifically, deployed Russian frigates reportedly used their Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missiles, while a submarine launched an Onyx anti-ship missile and a Kalibr cruise missile from its deck.
Citing some of the ministry’s statements published on Telegram: “On December 3, during an exercise to test the combined activities of Navy and Air Force troop groups, precision missiles were launched from sea-based platforms in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea (…) During the exercise preparation, the number of Russian Armed Forces troops in the Eastern Mediterranean was increased.”
According to the reports, the Russian Navy deployed more than a thousand personnel to carry out the exercises, along with a total of 10 ships and 24 aircraft for the occasion. While the specific port of origin of the deployed assets and personnel remains unknown, it is confirmed that operations took place in the Eastern Mediterranean, targeting open-sea objectives from that area.
For now, it is worth noting that these tests are being conducted amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, where Bashar Al-Assad’s regime relies on support from Moscow since the civil war began in 2011. In this context, the Russian Navy’s display of force is accompanied by an increased troop deployment in the region, justified by these activities.
Meanwhile, the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out various airstrikes against the advance of rebel factions in Syria’s second-largest city, Aleppo. The city is currently reported as the site of intense fighting. Outlets like The National already describe it as lost to the regime, based on accounts from fleeing witnesses, while troops loyal to Al-Assad claim to maintain control.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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