RIGA, August 29. /TASS/. The security police (SP) Latvia fears of provocation during the upcoming in September the Russian-Belarusian military exercises “West-2017”. This is stated in a statement on Tuesday the statement of the security services.
See also
As exercises “West-2017” made a lot of noise in Europe and the United States
“Given the existing risk of provocation, heightened attention is paid to any activities of a military nature, including the so-called games of military simulation. In Latvia, among them the most popular are the so-called airsoft [another name for airsoft and laser tag. Please note that in the military simulation one of the key elements is the use of such weapons, which apparently are not visually different about the combat. The participants also used a military uniform, which is visually similar to the shape of foreign military forces, including Russia or NATO countries, as well as the form is used without specific identification marks,” says PB .
See also
NATO has not made a final decision about sending observers to the “West – 2017”
Expert: strategic exercises “West” intended to showcase Russia’s military might
NATO sees no threat from the Russian Federation in connection with the teachings of the “West”
The police said that the conduct of such games during the exercises “West-2017” may mislead the residents of Latvia and “the responsible authority”. “Military simulation can be used as a cover for possible provocative actions and military simulations subject to enhanced inspections. The IB will act in the framework of its competence and in accordance with the received information about possible threats and will conduct appropriate checks,” added the police.
Riga had previously received from Moscow and Minsk official invitation to submit to the teachings of the three observers.
In August of last year in Latvia during a game involving four teams, one of which was dressed in the uniform of the armed forces, the incident occurred. In particular, BOP staff interrupted the game and beat the participants, who were dressed in Russian military uniforms.
