"The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have completed measures for a sudden check of combat readiness ... The troops and forces being tested took part in more than 50 exercises of various levels at 35 training grounds and terrain areas, 17 sea training grounds in the waters of the Black and Caspian Seas," the message says. ...
The defense ministry clarified that the formations that took part are returning to their permanent deployment points. In connection with the check, headquarters, formations and military units were brought to the highest degree of combat readiness.
"The main purpose of the surprise check was to assess the ability of the military command and control to ensure military security in the south-west of the Russian Federation, where terrorist threats persist," the Defense Ministry added.
Earlier it was reported that the servicemen of the Southern Military District, during the check, made a march on horseback through the mountain passes of the Caucasus.
On July 17, Russian leader Vladimir Putin ordered a surprise inspection of the troops of the Southern and Western military districts, individual formations of central subordination, the Airborne Forces and the marines.