From RIA Novosti:  Russia’s naval task force dispatched to the Mediterranean has passed the Strait of Malacca and entered the Indian Ocean, a Pacific Fleet spokesman told RIA Novosti on Saturday.

The task force comprises six vessels of the Pacific Fleet, including a destroyer carrying several helicopters, three amphibious warfare ships with marine detachments, a tanker and a tug. . . .

The force, set to reach the Mediterranean by mid-May, will remain on permanent duty there to protect Russia’s interests in the region, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said earlier.  (photo: Ildus Giliazutdinov/RIA Novosti)

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