Russia Says Mediterranean Fleet Redeployment 'Not Linked' to Syria

Russian officials have claimed that the redeployment of Russian Naval vessels in the Mediterranean Sea is part of a planned rotation and is not linked with the crisis in Syria.

"The vessels in the Mediterranean, like those in other parts of the world, act under plans by the Russian Naval Command and General Staff, and fulfil tasks set,” a Russian Naval spokesperson said Thursday, as cited by RIA Novosti.

“On completion of these tasks, the vessels then either return to their bases, or are replaced by other vessels to complete the tasks set,” the spokesperson said, adding “This does not amount to a renewal of any grouping or groupings, it is a planned rotation.”

The statement comes after media reports had suggested that the grouping of Russian vessels in the Mediterranean Sea was to be changed in direct connection with events in Syria.