Putin tests his biggest missiles in the Mediterranean
The Russian army said on Tuesday it had fired hypersonic missiles during naval and air exercises in the eastern Mediterranean, at a time when its ally, Syria, is losing ground to Islamist rebels.
The army said the number of Russian soldiers stationed in the region had “increased” to take part in the exercises.
In recent days, Russia has carried out air strikes in an attempt to counter a rebel offensive that has seen President Bashar al-Assad's forces lose the second city of Aleppo.
Russian ships tested hypersonic Zirkon missiles and a Kalibr cruise missile, and an Onyx cruise missile was launched from a designated area on the Mediterranean coast.
More than 1,000 soldiers, 10 ships and 24 aircraft are taking part in the exercises.
(MH with AmBar/Source: X/Photo: DPA/Anadolu/F. army)