First Stage of Large-Scale Russian FSB Spetsnaz Drills Over in Crimea

The first stage of large-scale drills of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) special purpose units in Crimea has been completed, with "saboteurs" who captured a drilling rig and 150 hostages neutralized, the FSB said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The FSB said Tuesday that the units would conduct large-scale counter-terrorism exercises in Crimea on May 24-29 and the drills would involve about 2,000 servicemen.

It also said the two-stage drills would involve aircraft, sea vessels, armored vehicles, drones and advanced reconnaissance equipment.

In March, the Russian Airborne Forces held drills in Crimea, involving over 2,500 airborne troops and some 600 pieces of hardware.