A large-scale wargame was held in Tajikistan, a Central Asian country located next to Afghanistan, as the United States continues to withdraw from needy countries.
Russian, Uzbek, and Tajikistan troops participated in a joint exercise near the border with Afghanistan, according to former Soviet officials.
Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo told reporters at the training ground that the training was conducted with Afghanistan in mind. Recently, a group of Taliban terrorists hijacked the country’s Swath, and Afghan government forces fled their position without even fighting, occupying eight provincial capitals within a week.
“The situation in Afghanistan is unpredictable,” Mirzo said, according to Reuters.
“In this situation, we need to be vigilant and stay ready for combat,” added Shukhrat Khalmukhamedov, Chief of Staff of the Uzbek Army.
“We have completed a joint exercise of troops in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation,” said Alexander Lapin, commander of the Central Military District of Russia, “for the first time, multiple with large-scale aviation, reconnaissance and artillery. The support is based on the experience gained from the conflict in Syria. ” State media..
He said the military equipment used in the training would remain at the Tajik base.
According to officials, Russian military engineers and fire teams have been able to detonate explosive shells, anti-tank mines and other ammunition in a single exercise to thwart potential intrusions. We performed a rehearsal to prevent progress.
“Artificial fires hinder the effective use of technology, communications and control and demoralize enemy personnel,” state media said in a statement, adding that more than 1,800 Russian soldiers participated in the exercise. ..
Video footage Post According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, tanks, helicopters and other heavy equipment were trained in a barren desert-like landscape.
A few weeks ago, President Joe Biden announced that he would withdraw from Afghanistan after the United States stayed in Afghanistan for nearly 20 years, setting a deadline for the end of August. At the same time, US troops withdrew and the Taliban continued to attack, causing fear of civil war and broader conflict in the region.
On Tuesday, the Taliban reportedly occupied Pul-e-Khumri, the capital of Baghlan, about 125 miles north of the capital Kabul.
“After about two hours of fighting, security forces were overwhelmed and withdrawn,” said local lawmaker Mamoor Ahmadzai.
According to Shahla Abubar, a member of the Farah Parliament, the group previously reported that it occupied Farah, the capital of Farah, and “occupied the governor’s office.” AFP..
Reuters contributed to this report.
Jack phillips
Senior reporter
Jack Phillips is a New York-based reporter for The Epoch Times.