The Russian troops deployed in breakaway South Ossetia and Abkhazia will also take part in major military exercises planned in North Caucasus from June 29 to July 6, Gen. Vladimir Boldirev, commander of Russian land forces, reportedly said on June 18.

“Today the Russian military bases deployed on the territories of these republics are absolutely combat-ready units, which are capable to fulfill any tasks on protection of peaceful population against possible terrorist acts or direct aggression,” Interfax news agency reported quoting Gen. Boldirev.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on June 11 that Kavkaz-2009 drills would feature more than 8,500 personnel, up to 200 battle tanks, 450 armored vehicles and various types of about 250 artillery systems.