Voice of Russia
August 29, 2013
French troops brought to advanced alert, waiting order on Syria
Charles de Gaulle nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
The French army is brought to advanced alert status and waiting for an order from President François Hollande on possible start of military operation in Syria. This was said in a statement by Defense Ministry’s official spokesperson Pierre Bayle on Thursday.
He noted that currently the Defense Ministry is not ready to give further details on the matter.
Earlier on Thursday it was reported that French frigate Chevalier Paul equipped with anti-ship missiles put to the Mediterranean Sea. However, French military authorities claimed that the maneuvers were planned in advance and were not connected directly with the conflict in Syria. As of yet there’s no official information on the exact section of the Mediterranean where the ship is proceeding.
Flagship of French Naval Forces, flattop Charles de Gaulle that actively participated in the Lebanese campaign in 2011, currently stays in Toulon’s harbor, the main sea base of France. There is no information available on the possibility of using this ship in the Syrian conflict spot as of yet.
Voice of Russia, TASS
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