Russia is conducting military exercises in North Ossetia. 

The government is keen to clamp down on the mountainous region that has been plagued by violence.

[Tank commander, Artem Nikitin]:

"The situation has changed radically, we are doing more shooting exercises, more military training sessions and life here has become more interesting."

Russia has intensified its military presence in the southern province, which has been hit with attacks from separatist movements.

In January, the Kremlin merged seven provinces in an attempt to stop separatism.

North Ossetia was also the launching point of conflict between Russia and Georgia in 2008, when the Russian government supported rebels against the Georgian government. 

Now, Russia is sending new equipment to deal with its own rebels.