Russia and Tajikistan holds joint military drill near Afghan border

Russian and Tajik military forces on Monday (Apr. 3) kicked off a joint military drill at the Kharb-Maidon training ground in Tajikistan 20 km from the border with Afghanistan. On the last of the military exercise on Friday (Apr. 7) Russian Defense Ministry released a video stating that “During the final stage, the military contingents of Russia and Tajikistan worked out the issues of conducting combat operations by units of joint forces to block and destroy illegal armed formations, as well special operations to restore the state border.” When drawing tactical episodes, the BTR-80, BTR-82, BMP-2, T-72 tanks, Akatsiya and Gvozdika self-propelled artillery mounts, as well as BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket systems were widely used, the ministry said. “From the air, the combined group of troops was supported by the crews of Mi-8 transport and combat helicopters and Mi-24 attack helicopters,” it added.