MOSCOW. Oct 9 (Interfax-AVN) - The current developments in the Middle East highlight the enduring threat of the possible use of chemical and biological weapons, Russian Defense Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu has said.
"The threat of chemical and biological toxic agents being used remains relevant in today's conditions. The latest events in the Middle East have confirmed this," he said during a telephone conference with Armed Forces commanders on Thursday.
Units of the Russian radioactive, chemical and biological protection forces from all of the country's military districts have been holding large-scale drills in the Saratov region, the Central Military District, since October 7, the minister said.
The exercises "involve approximately 2,000 people, 370 units of military and special-purpose hardware, as well as 20 aircraft," Shoigu said.
"The main goal of the drills is to practice clean-up operations in the wake of chemical and biological emergencies," the minister said.
The first stage of the drills, held on October 8, involved a simulation of a biological emergency, which was identified and contained with the help of an advanced mobile laboratory. During the operation, Ilyushin Il-76 and Mil Mi-8 helicopters dropped Airborne Troops units to the area of the maneuvers in order to form external and internal security rings.
During today's exercises, the radioactive, chemical and biological protection forces are working together with units of the Emergency Situations Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Federal Medical and Biological Agency and the consumer rights watchdog (Rospotrebnadzor) to tackle the aftermath of a simulated technical disaster at a major chemical enterprise.