Russia sends motorized infantry battalion to North Caucasus - army
18/07/2007 14:18 MOSCOW, July 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is sending a motorized infantry battalion to the North Caucasus as part of a plan to deploy two mountain brigades near the border with Georgia, a Ground Forces spokesman said Wednesday.
The two brigades will be completely formed by December 2007 and will be based in the republics of Daghestan and Karachayevo-Circassia.
"A 500-man battalion will be transported by air to Mozdok [North Ossetia] Thursday, July 19," Colonel Igor Konashenkov said, adding that the unit will be deployed as part of the 34th mountain brigade.
"Following their arrival in the North Caucasus, soldiers will undergo special training at the Daryal testing ground in North Ossetia and will later be put on combat duty," the spokesman said.
The Defense Ministry plans to deploy a reconnaissance and a motorized infantry battalion in the area in July-August, and complete deliveries of military equipment and ammunition to the brigades by October.
The two brigades will be manned with contract soldiers and will total about 4,500 personnel.
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