DUSHANBE (TCA) — Russia and Tajikistan will hold joint counter-terrorism drills on March 27-30, Sputnik news agency reported.
“On March 27-30, 2017 joint command and staff exercises will be held on operating a combined group of forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tajikistan,” the press service of Russia’s Central Military District said in a statement on March 24.
According to the release, the drills will be held at training fields of the Tajik Defense Ministry, as well as at the Russian 201st Military Base in Tajikistan.
In January, Russian troops deployed at the 201st military base in Tajikistan held counter-terrorism drills.
In Tajikistan, Russia has its largest military base and contingent abroad.
The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe earlier said that from March 27 through April 7, the U.S. Department of Defense will conduct a training exercise in partnership with Tajik security forces.
Approximately 150 Americans and 100 Tajik personnel will participate in the exercise conducted by U.S. Central Command, in coordination with U.S. government agencies and the Government of Tajikistan. The training is a crisis response exercise consisting of simulated scenarios to facilitate a coordinated partner response to transnational terrorism. The majority of this exercise will be conducted at military training areas throughout Tajikistan. However, a small portion will take place at other locations approved by the Government of Tajikistan.
This exercise is designed to increase regional security and stability by increasing the capability of and coordination between U.S. and Tajik security forces, the Embassy said.
