MOSCOW. Oct 22 (Interfax) - Over 4,000 troops from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) countries have begun the active stage of maneuvers in Tajikistan near its border with Afghanistan.
"Total [participants] number 4,000 people and over 500 units of equipment, including L-39, Sukhoi Su-25, Su-24MR, and Ilyushin Il-76TD aircraft and Mil Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters," the press center for the exercise said on Friday.
Three exercises are taking place at two training grounds from October 18 to October 23: Poisk of the reconnaissance forces, Vzaimodeistviye of the rapid response forces, and Echelon of the logistics forces.
"On October 22, the second stage of the Echelon 2021, Poisk 2021, and Vzaimodeistviye 2021 exercises, conducted as part of the Combat Brotherhood 2021 operational strategic exercise, began in the Republic of Tajikistan. The three exercises are being conducted simultaneously, under complex conditions in a mountainous desert area and in a single operational environment," the press center said
In particular, Poisk will involve a special operation to seize and destroy critical facilities of a mock enemy, it said.
"During the second stage of Vzaimodeistviye 2021, the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Forces will conduct a joint operation to contain an armed border conflict," the press center said. In particular, troops will practice airstrikes on mock militant bases, blocking and clearing a populated area, and the evacuation of civilians.
"Taking control over a national border is one of the main goals of the joint operation," it said.
The exercises are being held against the backdrop of the rise to power of the Taliban (a terrorist organization banned in Russia) in Afghanistan.