Experts associate military training near Volgograd with threat of terrorism

The selection of the Volgograd Region for the first exercise training of the National Guard is associated with the vulnerability of the south of Russia against the terrorist threat and the conditions suitable for testing the performance of a wide range of tasks. This was stated by military experts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot".

In the period of July 25-30, in the Volgograd Region, the National Guard of Russia together with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is engaged in its first military training. The exercises included assault of buildings and special operation to eliminate a criminal grouping.

According to Alexander Perendjiev, an expert of the Association of independent military political analysts, the military training is primarily aimed at combating terrorism.

The Volgograd Region has diverse landscape and former military camps, which are no longer operated, but which are convenient for the deployment of the military forces. Besides, the region still remembers the terror acts of 2013.

The expert has noted that with regard to the geopolitical field, the authorities treat the southern regions of Russia as the most vulnerable region of the country.

"The Russian authorities suggest that the threat comes primarily from Ukraine, which is engaged in talks with NATO countries," Alexander Perendjiev stated.

According to Alexander Golts, a reporter of the "Daily Magazine", the Volgograd Region deploys "most military units close to the Caucasus", and it is logical to choose the region for the military exercises.

Pavel Felgengauer, a military observer, suggests that one of the reasons for the military training is in the possible intensification of the armed underground in Northern Caucasus and the return of militants from the Middle East.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.