Russian troops put on high alert as part of massive drills
AP, Moscow
President Vladimir Putin has scrambled thousands of troops and hundreds of warplanes across southwestern Russia for large-scale military drills intended to test the troops’ readiness amid continuing tensions with the West.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that military units were put on combat alert early Monday, marking the launch of the exercise that involves troops of the Southern Military District.
Chechen spies infiltrate ISIS: Putin ally
Reuters, Moscow
Chechen spies loyal to the Kremlin have infiltrated ISIS in Syria and are gathering intelligence the Russian air force uses to select bombing targets, the hardline leader of Chechnya told Russian state TV.
Ramzan Kadyrov, who as a close ally of President Vladimir Putin keeps tight control of a mostly Muslim region with a history of rebellion against Moscow, said Chechens had trained alongside Islamic State fighters at the start of the Syrian war.
Indian soldier found alive
Dawn.com, Siachen
An Indian soldier was extracted alive after being buried under 25 feet of snow for six days following the February 3 avalanche, according to a report published on The Hindu website. “Lance Naik Hanamanthappa has been found alive. He is critical but all attempts are being made to evacuate him to RR hospital in the morning. We hope the miracle continues. Pray with us,” said Lt Gen D.S. Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command.The cause of the accident was unclear and police said that, alongside the rescue effort, investigations were starting into establishing what had happened.
Winter storm pounds southern New England
Reuters, Boston
A winter storm was expected to bring more than a foot (30 cm) of snow and howling winds to parts of southern New England on Monday, closing schools and government offices, snarling travel and flooding low-lying coastal areas.
Snow was falling in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire on Monday, with police and elected officials urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour (100 kph) were expected in parts of coastal southeastern Massachusetts, raising the risk of downed trees and power outages, officials said.
