Skip to main content
Latest news
Thumbnail

Russia, Tajikistan Launch Joint Military Exercise Near Afghan Border

Security sources from Russia and Tajikistan said the two countries have started joint military exercises along the Afghan border, aimed at tackling possible threats to Central Asia by Daesh.

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Kuzhugetovich Shoygu told a press conference that "the Russian and Tajik military forces are doing exercises to foil militant group attacks, eliminate their strongholds and other relevant practices."

He added: "Air forces support the ground and special forces in the operation."

The military exercise will be conducted within the next six days and will cover at least 1,000 kilometers of Afghan-Tajik bordering areas. This operation will involve 50,000 Tajik and 2,000 Russian forces.

A number of Afghan MPs meanwhile said Russia has taken the decision after the Afghan government failed to overcome insurgents' threats in northern parts of Afghanistan.

"When Tajikistan, which is near Russia, becomes insecure, then Russia will have to opt to defend itself. We take this operation as good fortune and we ask the two countries [Russia and Tajikistan] to not allow Afghans to travel between the two countries during this time so as to prevent the possible escape of terrorists," said Maryam Kofi, an MP from Takhar.

Another MP, Faruq Majroh, said: "Russia has realized that a number of its citizens are involved in the Afghan war and are extremist and dangerous individuals therefore the operations have been launched for several purposes."

Analysts meanwhile said they believe that Russia's concerns over its border security has increased after the fall of Kunduz city to the Taliban last year.

"Our government carries on with both the war and peace talks. The Taliban has not given its nod to the peace appeal from Kabul."

Russia, Tajikistan Launch Joint Military Exercise Near Afghan Border

Security sources from Russia and Tajikistan said the two countries have started joint military exe

Thumbnail

Security sources from Russia and Tajikistan said the two countries have started joint military exercises along the Afghan border, aimed at tackling possible threats to Central Asia by Daesh.

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Kuzhugetovich Shoygu told a press conference that "the Russian and Tajik military forces are doing exercises to foil militant group attacks, eliminate their strongholds and other relevant practices."

He added: "Air forces support the ground and special forces in the operation."

The military exercise will be conducted within the next six days and will cover at least 1,000 kilometers of Afghan-Tajik bordering areas. This operation will involve 50,000 Tajik and 2,000 Russian forces.

A number of Afghan MPs meanwhile said Russia has taken the decision after the Afghan government failed to overcome insurgents' threats in northern parts of Afghanistan.

"When Tajikistan, which is near Russia, becomes insecure, then Russia will have to opt to defend itself. We take this operation as good fortune and we ask the two countries [Russia and Tajikistan] to not allow Afghans to travel between the two countries during this time so as to prevent the possible escape of terrorists," said Maryam Kofi, an MP from Takhar.

Another MP, Faruq Majroh, said: "Russia has realized that a number of its citizens are involved in the Afghan war and are extremist and dangerous individuals therefore the operations have been launched for several purposes."

Analysts meanwhile said they believe that Russia's concerns over its border security has increased after the fall of Kunduz city to the Taliban last year.

"Our government carries on with both the war and peace talks. The Taliban has not given its nod to the peace appeal from Kabul."

Share this post

Comment this post