Russia’s defense ministry on Thursday announced it would hold naval drills in the “east Mediterranean” in September and October, adding to the U.S.’ concerns over Moscow’s military build up in Syria.
The exercises include three warships from Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, including the Saratov landing ship, the Moskva guided missile cruiser and the Smetlivy destroyer, the ministry said in a statement.
The drills will involve “40 combat exercises, including rocket and artillery fire at sea and airborne targets,” the statement said.
But ministry officials said the drills were not related to the conflict in Syria and have been planned since the end of last year.
