The officials tell The Associated Press that while they haven't seen such unusual activity since the Cold War, the military is not overly concerned. They say the Russians have a right to conduct naval exercises and are operating according to international law.

U.S. Northern Command would not comment on any details of the Russian submarines movement. But in a prepared statement, Northern Command spokesman Michael Kucharek acknowledged the patrols and said that the U.S. has been monitoring the two submarines.

Two senior defense officials provided details on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence.
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