Belarus says Russian Iskander missiles now in service

Belarus said on Wednesday that it had taken Russian Iskander ballistic missile systems into service after its operators had received training in Russia.

The missiles are capable of hitting targets at a range of up to 500 km (310 miles), Minsk's defence ministry said.

"Having completed the theoretical course, the artillerymen carried out practical training at the Belarusian firing ranges," it added.