US begins deploying troops to Alaska: Russia and China were conducting exercises

Following Russia's recent increase in military activity in the Bering Strait, which lies between the US state of Alaska and Russia, the US military is deploying its troops to the region.

Russia's 'Ocean-24' military exercises, which covered several maritime regions, primarily the Pacific and Arctic oceans, from September 10-16, have been a cause for concern.

In response to Russia's moves, the US military sent approximately 130 soldiers equipped with mobile rocket launchers to the Aleutian Islands region, which forms the southwestern extension of the Alaska Peninsula.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the joint US-Canadian organization that provides aerospace protection for North America, reported that it detected and tracked Russian military aircraft off the coast of Alaska on September 11, September 13, September 14, and September 15.

In a statement, the Department of Defense (Pentagon) noted that 8 Russian military aircraft and 4 naval vessels, including 2 submarines, approached Alaska, but the aircraft did not violate US airspace.

US STATEMENT: 'WE ARE READY TO RESPOND'

As part of an operation called 'Force Projection', US troops were deployed last week to Shemya Island, located approximately 2,000 kilometers southwest of the Alaskan city of Anchorage.

It was reported that the troops stationed in the region brought with them two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).

The existence of a US Air Force airbase dating back to World War II is known on Shemya Island.

US Department of Defense (Pentagon) Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder stated in yesterday's press briefing, 'It is not the first time we have seen the Russians and Chinese flying nearby, and we are monitoring this closely and are ready to respond.'

US Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan reported that the US military has deployed a guided-missile destroyer and a Coast Guard vessel to the western region of Alaska.

RUSSIA AND CHINA HELD JOINT EXERCISES

The 'Ocean-2024' military strategic exercise, conducted from September 10-16 under the command of Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, took place in the Pacific and Arctic oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.

It is known that more than 90,000 troops took part in the two-stage exercise, which involved over 400 warships and submarines, more than 120 aircraft and helicopters, and approximately 7,000 pieces of military equipment.

In his statement on September 10, Putin announced that the purpose of the exercise was to inspect the readiness level of Russia's naval and air forces.

NOT SEEN IN 40 YEARS

The Chinese Ministry of Defense announced on September 9 that the 'Northern United 2024' exercises, in which the Russian and Chinese navies would participate, would be held in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) and the Sea of Okhotsk.

The statement noted that the naval and air exercises aimed to 'enhance strategic cooperation between the two countries and strengthen their joint capabilities to counter security threats.'

One of the major exercises, Ocean, was also held during the former Soviet Union era between 1970 and 1985. A similar exercise had not been conducted by the two countries for nearly 40 years.

News Source: AA