Tajikistan announces completion of joint anti-terrorist exercises held on its soil

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The Secretary of Tajikistan's Security Council, Yusuf Rahmon, announced on Friday the successful completion of joint anti-terrorist exercises involving forces from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Speaking at the closing ceremony at the Fakhrabad training ground in Tajikistan, Rahmon stated that the drills underscored the participating countries' commitment to combating international terrorism.

"The organization of joint operations-training activities by CSTO Peacekeeping Forces and anti-terrorist units of CIS countries highlights the significance attributed by defense departments and specialized services of our nations to matters related to collective efforts against manifestations of international terrorism, and maintaining peace and stability," he said.

Rahmon confirmed that all exercise objectives had been met, with participating units demonstrating excellent combat skills, professional expertise, and strong coordination during joint tactical maneuvers.

For his part, Tajikistan’s Defense Minister, Emomali Sobirzoda, characterized the exercises as "a logical continuation of integration processes between CSTO military departments and CIS anti-terrorism structures."

"These types of activities within our organizations are being held for the first time and are characterized by their nature, scope, and scale, closely approximating real-life conditions," he noted.

Sobirzoda emphasized that the results prove the CSTO peacekeeping forces and CIS anti-terrorism structures "are capable of jointly accomplishing assigned missions, responding effectively to security challenges and threats, ensuring peace and stability in areas of responsibility."

Chairman of Tajikistan’s National Security Committee, Saymumin Yatimov, thanked the CIS Anti-Terrorism Center for its role in organizing the event and separately expressed gratitude to the Russian Ministry of Defense for its ongoing assistance and support.