Pakistan-Russia 12-day joint counterterrorism drills conclude on Saturday

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - A 12-day joint counterterrorism exercise between the Pakistan Army and the Russian Armed Forces, dubbed as "Druzhba-VIII," will conclude on Saturday, according to the military's media wing.

The Pakistan-Russia joint exercise, Druzhba-VIII, which began on Sept. 15, will conclude on Saturday, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday.

The statement said the exercise focuses on improving counterterrorism drills, procedures, and techniques, with a particular emphasis on drone warfare, urban combat, and countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

It added that the joint training aims to strengthen Pakistan and Russia's long-standing military-to-military relations.

The Vice Chief of General Staff of the Pakistan Army was the ceremony's chief guest, and senior Russian military officials were also present. Throughout the exercise, troops from both sides demonstrated high levels of professionalism, the ISPR said.