Dutch warships dock in Estonia amid Russia, Ukraine worries

Four Dutch warships have docked in Estonia today to carry out joint NATO air exercises.

The squadron includes an anti-aircraft frigate, a battle support ship, a patrol ship and a submarine, Postimees Online reports. 

The exercises come amid growing fears from Baltic officials that a Ukraine style scenario may be repeated in the Baltic states. 

NATO has agreed to boosting its presence in eatsern Europe amid the Ukraine crisis. More troops will rotate on a regular basis through eastern Europe in an effort to send strong signals to neighbouring Russia it's not welcome in the region.  

Estonian air forces simulated an attack on the navy group from the air today. The squadron is in Tallinn until Sunday. The ships will be open to visitors on Saturday, October 18.

Baltic officials say they have seen a rise in the number of Russian warships and aircraft near their borders amid the crisis in the Ukraine. 

Remembered

A commemorative event dedicated to British, French, and Irish marines, who lost their lives during the Latvian War of Independence in 1919 was held in Riga today, Latvia's Defense Ministry says.

Defense Minister Raimonds Vejonis,  National Armed Forces Commander Raimonds Graube, and other state officials will participated in the event, LETA reports.

In fall of 1919, British and French warships, with Irish marines in the crew as well, provided artillery support for the Latvian army during a paratrooper operation in Daugavgriva.

This attack marked the beginning of a fight against Bermondt-Avalov's army of independence for Riga and the rest of Latvia's territory. A total of nine allied marines died and six were injured in the battles.

(Edited by Rayyan Sabet-Parry)