HARB-MAIDON, Tajikistan. Aug 10 (Interfax) - Servicemen of the Russian, Tajik and Uzbek Armed Forces, backed by artillery and combat aircraft, eliminated a mock illegal armed unit, which allegedly crossed the border in southern Tajikistan, at the end of the main stage of the three countries' maneuvers, the press service for Russia's Central Military District told reporters on Tuesday.
"Under the scenario of the exercise, a group of armed militants illegally crossed the state border in order to stage terrorist acts in the territory of the republic. Tajikistan's L-39 plane crew conducted aerial reconnaissance of the area, spotting sites where militants were concentrating. The pilots passed the coordinates of the targets to Russian and Tajik crews of [Mil] Mi-24 attack helicopters, as well as to crews operating Grad and Uragan multiple launch rocket systems. After delivering a strike, the three countries' motorized rifle units on BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and reinforced crews of T-72 tanks completed the elimination of the enemy's main forces," the press service said.
Tajik special operations forces also parachuted down from an Antonov An-26 plane to seal off militants retreating to a nearby chain of rocks.
"Mortar crews from the 201st military base and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, which opened fire along an arching trajectory, helped neutralize the mock enemy forces hiding in the mountains," the press service said.
The participants in the drills also practiced joint maneuvers in a challenging terrain, deploying communications and control systems, engaging targets, counter-fire maneuvers, and units' interaction in a common operating environment, the press service said.
A sand storm that occurred in the proximity of the training range in the run-up to the start of the drills did not affect the maneuvers, it said.
More than 2,500 personnel and around 500 weapons and pieces of military hardware are taking part in the joint military exercise being held by Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan near the border with Afghanistan. Of them, Russia has contributed more than 1,800 troops. The core of the Russian contingent to the maneuvers is made up of units from the 201st military base. The maneuvers, taking place against the backdrop of an escalation in neighboring Afghanistan, focus on repelling potential threats and on practicing interaction to maintain security and stability in Central Asia, the Central Military District said.