Russian specialists have trained a group of 13 servicemen from Madagarscar’s elite military units to protect the country’s top leadership, the Midi Madagasikara newspaper wrote.

"This training program is aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of our armed forces," the newspaper quoted transitional Malagasy Prime Minister Mamitiana Rajaonarison, who oversaw the training program. "We need highly trained, disciplined and professional men and women."