MOSCOW. Aug 9 (Interfax-AVN) - Special task forces trained to fight in the mountains will be prepared and deployed soon in the North Caucasus under instructions from President Vladimir Putin.
This issue was discussed at a Monday meeting between Putin and members of the government.
The president said he has given instructions to train "special task forces for acting in the Caucasus mountains and to help border guards protect highland sectors."
Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov told Putin that proposals on the training and deployment of the special task forces will be made to the president within one month.
"Two absolutely new special task brigades will be formed and start functioning in the North Caucasus next year," Ivanov said. The brigades will be properly trained and equipped, he said.
Putin told the minister that he gave these instruction some time ago. He asked precisely when the Defense Ministry will forward the proposals, and the minister said it would be "within one month."