Belarus could mobilize troops as entire army faces sweeping readiness check
Alexander Lukashenko (photo: Getty Images)
Belarus is preparing for a large-scale combat readiness check of its armed forces, which could involve the entire army and include mobilization measures, according to RIA Novosti.
Entire army to be checked
Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said that the authorities had decided to conduct a check covering all units of the Belarusian army. He explained the decision by saying that the armed forces needed to be "shaken up."
"I have already said it in simple terms: the army needs to be shaken up. It is time. The entire army. We will check everyone. Up to mobilization," Lukashenko said.
Thus, the combat readiness check could include measures up to and including mobilization. Lukashenko did not specify the timing of such measures or provide other details about the upcoming check.
Lukashenko says Belarus is preparing for war
The Belarusian leader also said that the country is preparing for a possible military scenario, although, according to him, the purpose of such preparations is to prevent war.
Alexander Lukashenko previously said that Belarus does not intend to be the first to launch military action against neighboring states. According to him, Minsk understands the possible consequences of such a move and sees no point in starting a conflict that the country would not be able to win.
On August 26, Alexander Lukashenko ordered a combat readiness check of the Belarusian army. According to Alexander Volfovich, State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus, one of the reasons cited in Minsk for the decision was the visit of US CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow.
As part of the check, one of the Belarusian brigades was to leave its permanent deployment location and carry out the tasks assigned to it.
