MOSCOW, April 13. /TASS/. Russian warships and submarines are keeping an eye on US and NATO ships in the Eastern Mediterranean, a military diplomatic source said on Friday.

"Warships and submarines of the Russian naval taskforce are keeping track at a close distance of US and NATO assault ships and submarines in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea," the source said.

According to the source, the force is tasked to monitor the underwater, surface and air situation in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, including approaches and maneuvering of foreign ships in the off-coast area near Syria’s Tartus.

The source refuted media reports saying that Russian warships had recently left Tartus out of fear of US airstrikes.

The source stressed that the Russian taskforce used Tartus only to replenish its reserves and carry out minor repairs. "For these purpose, Russian warships call at Tartus regularly and return back to sea after each such call," he added.