MOSCOW, February 8. /TASS/. Surprise combat readiness checks have started involving the forces of Russia’s southern military district and certain units of the Airborne Troops and military-transport aviation, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Monday.

The checks, which began at 5.00 a.m. on Monday (0200GMT) upon the decision of the commander-in-chief, will assess the readiness of the southern military district to respond to different crisis situations, Shoigu said.

"Since this time we have launched snap combat readiness checks of forces in the southwestern strategic direction," the defense minister told a meeting.

The goal is to "practice a whole range of tasks solved by the control bodies and forces, including the fight against terrorist threats and eliminating the consequences of natural and manmade disasters."

The checks will also show how the aviation and air defense forces are ready to counter the strikes of the enemy in the air and protect important military and state facilities, Shoigu added.

Foreign military attaches to be informed of snap combat readiness checks

Foreign countries’ military attaches will be informed about surprise combat readiness checks in Russia’s Southern Military District, Russian Defense Minister said.

"(I hereby order) Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov to inform the military attaches of foreign countries about the ongoing snap comprehensive combat readiness checks of the troops," Shoigu said.

The checks will also involve the troops and forces of the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian Flotilla.