Three large amphibious assault ships join Russian Navy's permanent task force in Mediterranean
MOSCOW. Sept 18 (Interfax-AVN) - The scheduled rotation has been carried out of large amphibious assault ships (AAS) of the Russian Navy's Mediterranean Permanent Task Force, the Main Headquarters of the Russian Navy told Interfax-AVN on Tuesday.
"AAS 'Azov', AAS 'Tsezar Kunikov' of the Black Sea Fleet passed the area of the Black Sea straits and headed into the Mediterranean Sea on Monday, AAS 'Alexander Ostrakovsky' of the Northern Fleet, on Tuesday," the source said.
Amphibious assault ships of Russia's Mediterranean Permanent Task Force call on a regular basis at Russian Black Sea ports, and in particular, Novorossiysk, to replenish supplies.
Foreign media earlier reported that Russian AAS were participating in an operation that they dubbed the 'Syrian Express' and that was allegedly aimed at delivery of ammunition for the Syrian government's army involved in fierce fighting against a number of extremist groups, including the so-called Islamic State.
Russian Black Sea Fleet Commander Aleksandr Vitko earlier reported to the Russian president that military supplies are transported to Crimea and Syria from Novorossiysk.
This is the sixth cruise to the Mediterranean Sea since start of 2015 for AAS 'Azov', the fifth one for AAS 'Tsezar Kunikov', and the seventh one for AAS 'Alexander Ostrakovsky'.