Russian Mediterranean Fleet Reinforced Amid Concerns Over Altis Civil War

Russian ships have passed Gibraltar, heading into the Mediterranean, prompting concern amongst NATO members over the ongoing Altis Conflict

The Fleet, consisting of multiple surface and sub-surface vessels, had been making its way south for a number of days, raising questions over its destination. These questions have seemingly been answered, following the fleets overnight crossing through the Strait of Gibraltar.

In a statement, the Russian Admiralty stated that “The fleet is in the area to help aid and assist with security and stability within the region, and therefore the world as a whole. With numerous conflicts ongoing on various Mediterranean coastlines, we have deemed it necessary to increase our presence.”

This statement comes just a few weeks after the outbreak of war on Altis, along with the ongoing conflicts in Syria. The move is viewed by many NATO member nations as highly provocative, with the Greek Minister for National Defence urging the Russian Fleet to “stay away from Altis” and “[…] avoid interfering with ongoing military operations involving Greek territory”.¹

Altis Armed Forces

Other NATO members have taken to upping their own presence in the region as a result. The United Kingdom, United States & Italy have reportedly increased the number of Air and Naval assets stationed within the region, with near constant flights and patrols within and over the Mediterranean.

The presence of the Russian Fleet has left many analysts and politicians concerned about the future of the conflict, which started when an insurgent group, known as the FIA, kidnapped an Altian journalist. Since then, there have been reports from both sides causing civilian casualties. Among these is a report that the FIA deliberately targeted IDAP humanitarian workers, and another incident in which an AAF sanctioned assault resulted in the death of a respected surgeon. Whilst both sides deny these incidents, it appears the conflict, and its effects on the population of the island, have no end in sight.