Putin's general declares 'WW3 has started' and demands one million fresh troops
One of Vladimir Putin's generals has declared World War 3 is already underway, citing rising global tensions following Israel 's recent attack on Iran.
Major General Apti Alaudinov, a prominent figure in Russia 's military leadership, urged the Kremlin to carry out mass mobilisation of up to one million fresh troops following the attack, which he said has 'already taken on a new turn and a new momentum.' Alaudinov, 51, currently serves as the deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces main military-political directorate, in charge of indoctrination and propaganda in the military machine, as well as commander of Akhmat special forces, based in his native Chechnya.
'We need to declare mobilisation,' he posted on Telegram. 'We need to prepare at least half a million people in advance. But realistically one million people.'
He added: 'We need to call them up and start preparing them for the fact that the war has already begun, which we already know is happening - World War III. But it has already taken on a new turn and a new momentum.
'And so that no one dares to play with us the way they played with all the other countries, and now with Iran. Believe me, we all need to unite, unite, unite at all levels.'
Alaudinov has been closely involved with Russia 's effort to win back territory controlled by Ukraine in Kursk region. He is also seen as a probable successor for sickly pro-Putin Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Earlier today Alaudinov reposted a message from Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei demanding 'severe retribution' against Israel.
He made clear with his mass mobilisation call that he felt able to publicly express his own view to Putin about the need for a giant call-up to break the stalemate in the war with Ukraine.
Alaudinov's comments came after Israel attacked at least six military bases around Tehran including Parchin, residential homes at two highly secure complexes for military commanders - and multiple residential buildings around Tehran. Iranian officials called the strikes targeted assassinations.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel will face a 'severe punishment' over its attack on the country. Khamenei issued a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency. It confirmed that top military officials and scientists had been killed in the attack.
Israel 'opened its wicked and blood-stained hand to a crime in our beloved country, revealing its malicious nature more than ever by striking residential centers,' Khamenei said.
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