US deploys soldiers to Alaska amid rising Russian military activity

The U.S. military has deployed approximately 130 soldiers and mobile rocket launchers to a remote island in the Aleutian chain of Alaska due to increased Russian military activity in the region. In the past week, eight Russian military aircraft and four naval vessels, including two submarines, approached Alaskan waters as Russia and China conducted joint military exercises. Although these incursions did not breach U.S. airspace, they have raised concerns about national security in the area. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked Russian planes operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone over several days, with a notable increase in such encounters compared to previous years. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan has emphasized the need for a stronger military presence in the Aleutians, advocating for the reopening of a U.S. Navy base at Adak to counteract the perceived threats from Russia and China. The U.S. Coast Guard also reported tracking Russian naval vessels that had crossed into U.S. waters to avoid sea ice, an action permitted under international law. The Pentagon has stated that while the recent military activities are being monitored, they do not pose an immediate threat. However, the situation highlights the growing tensions and military competition in the Arctic region. Senator Sullivan's remarks reflect a broader concern regarding the strategic importance of the Arctic in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in light of joint military exercises conducted by Russia and China. The U.S. military's response aims to ensure readiness and deterrence in the face of these developments.