Russia sends military police battalion to Syria

A military police battalion from Russia’s North Caucasus Republic of Ingushetia has been sent to Syria to boost security of Russian military personnel on various missions in the war-torn country, Russia’s Sputnik reported today, quoting Ingushetia leader Yunus-Bek Yevkurov.

“A military police battalion comprising Ingushetia residents has left for Syria to work in settlements and towns where the conflicting sides have been separated, and peace agreements have been signed,” Yevkurov said.

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The regional head explained that the police will provide security for the Russian air force and the “centre for Syrian reconciliation” in Syria.

Yevkurov did not reveal how many troops the battalion represents.

“We will be sending humanitarian assistance there [to Syria] in the near future, in coordination with the defence ministry and the presidential administration,” he noted, adding that the humanitarian aid could be sent to Syria within a week.

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Last December, a Russian military police battalion was sent to the city of Aleppo to maintain order on the territories freed from opposition groups.