Armenian, Russian troops holding joint drillsAugust 9, 2018 - 11:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian and Russian armies are holding joint military exercises in Armenia reportedly involving more than 3,000 soldiers and hundreds of tanks, armored vehicles and artillery systems, RFE/RL Armenian Service reports. In a statement, Russia’s Southern Military District said the “joint tactical-special exercises” began at two shooting grounds on Monday, August 6 and will continue until August 15. The participating troops have already simulated a joint operation against a hypothetical invader, it said, adding that they were backed up by warplanes, including MiG-29 fighter jets of the Russian military base stationed in Armenia. The Armenian Defense Ministry did not issue statements on the exercises as of Wednesday. Armenia and Russia have held such drills on a regular basis, highlighting their close military ties. In 2014, their militaries targeted an imaginary invading force codenamed “Ottomania,” a clear reference to neighboring Turkey. Armenian leaders have repeatedly said that Armenia hosts Russian troops on its territory primarily because of a perceived security threat from Turkey, rather than Azerbaijan. From Yerevan’s perspective, the Russian military base in Armenia precludes Turkey’s direct military intervention on Azerbaijan’s side in the event of another full-scale war for Nagorno-Karabakh. The latest wargames began three weeks after the Russian base held an exercise around a village in Armenia’s northwestern Shirak province which scared many local residents. The villagers had not been notified about the drill beforehand. Although the commanders of the Russian base apologized for the incident, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian condemned it as a “provocation against Armenia’s sovereignty.” By contrast, Armenian Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan said a few days later that Armenian officials are also responsible for the scare. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |