The Head of Information and Public Relations Department of the North Caucasus Military Command, Lt.-Col. Andrey Bobrun told IA RES about the "Kavkaz 2009" first stage activities.
According to him, "during the first phase, the units and detachments engaged in the exercise continue conducting activities on fortification of areas and preparation of armory and equipment for combat fire. The forces of the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian Fleet engaged in the "Kavkaz 2009" exercise are now at their permanent deployment locations ready for immediate action in accordance with received instructions. The marines had completed fortification of the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian Fleet units", reported Bobrun.
According to him, "counterterrorist measures are being carried out". "The reconnaissance subunits and the North Caucasus Military Command special forces are currently conducting reconnaissance and searching activities aimed at finding terrorist groups, their bases and training centers.
The received data immediately reaches the Joint Staff HQ. Chiefs and Staffs are finalizing the counterterrorist operation plan. Units and elements have started blocking the areas of presumed location of terrorist groups and protection of the State border in the areas of possible penetration of terrorists", told Bobrun. He explained that "brigade, regiment and battalion tactic exercises with combat firing will be conducted on the territory of four entities of the South Federal District of the RF". "During the exercise, particular attention will be paid to practical action of chiefs, staffs and units within the new staff structure in preparing and conducting combat operation by Joint Forces, as well as to issues related to controlling, interacting and organizing a combat operation.
The personnel will be mastering their shooting skills in small arms, grenade-launchers, mortars and armored vehicles, they will be also have exercise in driving wheel and caterpillar armored vehicles", said Bobrun. He underlined that "a distinctive feature of this exercise is that, once the Joint Forces identify terrorist groups, they will be able to immediately react to suppress the groups".
