DUSHANBE, September 27, 20013, Asia-Plus — A joint military exercise for Tajik and Kyrgyz servicemen was launched in the Tajik northern province of Sughd on September 27.
The exercise, dubbed “Zashchita-2012” (20013 Protection), reportedly involves servicemen of Tajik military units and servicemen of the mountain rifle unit of the Kyrgyz armed forces along with armored vehicles and artillery.
Faridoun Mahmadaliyev, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Tajikistan, says the purpose of the exercise that is being conducted at the Chorukhdayron training ground is to rehears coordination and interaction in missions to combat terrorists.
Head of the General Staff of Tajikistan’s Armed Forces, Lieutenant-General Ramil Nadyrov, is in overall command of the war game that will close on October 2 with a final phase featuring live-fire missions.
Defense Minister Sherali Khairulloyev and Sughd Governor Qohir Rasoulzoda will observe the final phase of the exercise.
