Russia increases military activity, the US "fortifies" Alaska, sends troops and missile launchers

The US military has sent about 130 soldiers and several missile launchers to Shemya Island near Alaska in response to increased Russian military activity nearby.

In recent weeks, Russia has deployed fighter jets, four ships and two submarines to the waters near Alaska.

Officially, the vehicles are part of the joint military exercise with China, "Ocean-24". Although none of the Russian planes have entered US airspace, they have come extremely close.

Soldiers stationed on the island are equipped with HIMARS missile launchers and were sent there to increase military readiness.

US Coast Guard ship monitors Russian submarine near Alaska

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has spotted Russian planes in airspace near Alaska since September, while the US Coast Guard is monitoring Russian ships after some vessels entered US waters to avoid blockades. of ice, an action permitted under international law.

Alaska was once part of the Russian Empire, but the territory was purchased by the United States of America in March 1867 for $7.2 million. The territory became a US state on January 3, 1959.