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Belarus-Russia joint group of forces accomplishes defensive tasks — top brass

The joint group of forces embraces "command centers of various levels, troops, forces and logistics systems"

MINSK, October 11. /TASS/. The regional group of the Belarus-Russia forces deals with defensive tasks and its measures are aimed at responding to developments close to the Union State borders, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin told a news briefing on the military and political situation in the country and abroad on Tuesday.

"The regional group of forces deals solely with defensive tasks. All the measures being implemented now are aimed at adequately responding to developments close to our borders," the ministry’s press office quoted the Belarusian defense chief as saying.

The joint group of forces embraces "command centers of various levels, troops, forces and logistics systems," he specified.

"Today, proceeding from the latest developments, we are implementing certain stage-by-stage measures to ensure the pre-emptive preparedness of the joint group of forces for responding to the unfolding situation to provide security along the perimeter of the Union State borders," the defense chief explained.

As part of these measures and proceeding from the latest developments, decisions are being specified on employing particular components of the regional group of forces, logistics systems are being synchronized and preparations are underway for certain units of the regional group of forces to accomplish tasks when necessary, Khrenin specified.

"Once again, considering the threats, the forces can be re-grouped to shield particular directions," the Belarusian defense minister said.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on October 10 that Belarus and Russia were beginning to deploy a joint regional group of forces "in the wake of escalations on the western borders of the Union State.".

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