Norway reports Russian flotilla off coast as US asks to put marines in country
A Russian flotilla has been spotted sailing off the coast of Norway, allegedly heading to support Russian operations in Syria; meanwhile, US asks Norway for permission to station approximately 300 marines on its soil.
The Norwegian military has released pictures taken by surveillance aircraft of a fleet of Russian warships sailing in international waters off the coast of Norway and reported to be heading to Syria.
Photos of the vessels, which include the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and the Pyotr Velikiy battle cruiser, were taken near Andoya island, in northern Norway on Monday.
A spokesman for the Norwegian military intelligence service said the country's armed forces frequently releases such footage, while newspaper VG quoted General Morten Haga Lunde, head of the service, as saying the eight ships involved "will probably play a role in the deciding battle for Aleppo".
Russia's TASS state news agency said in July, citing a source, that the Admiral Kuznetsov would take part in the Russian operation in Syria from October to January. The warship would carry 15 Su-33 and MIG-29K jet fighters and over 10 Ka-52K, Ka-27 and Ka-31 helicopters, it said.
Russia, which has backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with an air campaign against the rebels fighting him, including in Aleppo, told the Norwegian armed forces the warships were on their way to the Mediterranean Sea, Norwegian media reported.
Russia has a naval base in Arkhangelsk, east of Norway's far north.
US asks Norway to station troops
Meanwhile, The United States wants to send a 300-strong rotational force of US Marines to Norway, a NATO member that shares a border with Russia in the Arctic.
Norwegian Defense Ministry spokesman Lars Gjemble said Wednesday that "a limited rotational US Marine Corps presence in Norway is a possible option currently being considered.
Maj. Gen. Niel E. Nelson, the Commander of US Marine Corps Forces in Europe and Africa, confirmed the plans in a statement, adding "it would be premature to discuss possible implementation of such an initiative" before the political process is completed.
The rotational force would be based in Vaernes in central Norway.
Maj. Richard K. Ulsh, a Germany-based Marine Corps spokesman, said it would be the first time US Marines are stationed in Norway.
"It enhances our ability to operate alongside the Norwegian Armed Forces during training events and exercises," he said.
The United States started rotating troops through Eastern Europe after Moscow's intervention in Ukraine 2014. Some NATO allies neighboring Russia, including the Baltic countries, have asked for a permanent presence of US troops.
