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Russian Warships Could Provide Combat Cover for French Aircraft Carrier

© REUTERS / Jean-Paul PelissierFlight deck crew work on Rafale fighter jets aboard the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle before its departure from the naval base of Toulon, France, November 18, 2015
Flight deck crew work on Rafale fighter jets aboard the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle before its departure from the naval base of Toulon, France, November 18, 2015 - Sputnik International
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Russia's warships deployed to the Mediterranean are rumored to be tasked with providing combat cover for the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, heading to Syria as part of expanded anti-ISIL efforts, reports in Russian media suggest.

The deployment of the nuclear-powered flagship of the French Navy comes days after ISIL militants conducted multiple terrorist attacks in Paris, leaving 129 people dead and hundreds wounded. France has since pledged to boost its counterterrorism operation in Syria.

© REUTERS / Jean-Paul PelissierFrench Navy crew members walk on the docks in front of the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle before its departure from the naval base of Toulon, France, November 18, 2015
French Navy crew members walk on the docks in front of the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle before its departure from the naval base of Toulon, France, November 18, 2015 - Sputnik International
French Navy crew members walk on the docks in front of the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle before its departure from the naval base of Toulon, France, November 18, 2015

Earlier, ISIL claimed responsibility for the crash of a Russian passenger jet over Sinai. The terrorist act in Egypt claimed the lives of all 224 on board.

"The Russian Navy ships in the Mediterranean Sea will be primarily tasked with ensuring combat sustainability, meaning [they will provide] all types of defense – air, antisubmarine, counter sabotage, etc.," a source in the Russian Navy told RIA Novosti.

French President Francois Hollande looks on during a joint news conference with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (not pictured) in Maximos Mansion in Athens, Greece, October 23, 2015. - Sputnik International
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Russian ships could assist the French naval group in rescue operations, he added. They could also inspect vessels suspected of transporting cargoes for ISIL.

This information has not been officially confirmed or denied.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces in the Mediterranean to "establish direct contact with the French and work with them as allies." The General Staff and the Defense Ministry will work out a plan for joint activities at sea and in the air.

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In a telephone conversation, Vladimir Putin and Francois Hollande agreed to ensure military and intelligence cooperation between Russia and France. The two leaders also agreed to meet during Hollande's visit to Moscow on November 26.

The joint center aimed at coordinating efforts of Russian and French ships should be set up on the Moskva missile cruiser stationed in the Mediterranean Sea since Moscow is playing a major part in counterterrorism efforts in Syria, Сapt. 1st Rank (Ret.) Mikhail Nenashev told RIA Novosti.

French and Russian warships "will primarily exert psychological pressure on terrorists," he noted.

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