Sliven marked 35 years since the Regional Military Police Service was re-established, with tactical demonstrations and an open day today.

Soldiers showed what they can do, and the service's best members received awards. Unit commanders and representatives of the Multinational Battle Group attended.

Service director Colonel Mitko Mitev told Bulgarian National Radio that military police guard "parts of material evidence that lie along the Black Sea coast as a result of hostile actions by states, so far unknown, against merchant ships".

Mitev said the service is on constant alert. Besides escorting convoys and guarding strategic sites, it is also ready for combat tactical operations.

"We guard a forward operating base non-stop," the colonel said.