Russia and Uzbekistan Launch Joint Military Exercises Near Afghan Border

Tashkent (Monitoring Desk): In view of growing threats of cross-border infiltration and terrorism from Afghanistan, Russia and Uzbekistan have formally launched joint military exercises to strengthen the defence of their borders.

According to the Uzbek publication The Tashkent Times, the two countries have begun joint military exercises titled Cooperation 2026 in Termez, an Uzbek border city near Afghanistan. The exercises, running from October 20 to 27, involve special forces from Russia and Uzbekistan, advanced combat drones and gunship helicopters.

According to the report, the primary objective of the joint exercises is to prevent the possible infiltration of terrorist elements from Afghan territory and further enhance the effectiveness of border defence capabilities across Central Asia in responding to emergency situations.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently expressed concern over threats originating from Afghanistan. He warned that large terrorist training camps remain in Afghan border areas adjacent to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, posing risks to peace and stability across the region.