Russian ally Belarus launches unannounced inspection of its troops' readiness

Belarus, a Russian ally, has launched unannounced inspection of its troops' combat readiness, Minsk officials said. "The activities will be comprehensive in nature; troops will have to move to the designated areas as soon as possible...and set up bridge crossings over the rivers Neman and Berezina," Defence Ministry said. It added that movement along certain public roads would be restricted.