Russia-Pakistan ‘Druzhba’ Military Exercises Conclude at Cherat

Islamabad: The IX Joint Russia-Pakistan “Druzhba” military exercises have concluded at Cherat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with Russian and Pakistani special forces demonstrating coordinated counterterrorism operations.

Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev attended the closing ceremony of the exercises, which brought together personnel from Russia’s 201st Military Base of the Central Military District, stationed in Tajikistan, and Pakistan’s Special Forces.

During the exercises, the participating troops demonstrated coordinated operations in challenging terrain, using advanced weapons and technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The participating forces were commanded by Colonel Oleg Stetsyuk, Deputy Chief of Staff of Russia’s Central Military District; Lieutenant General Muhammad Amir Najam, Inspector General Training and Evaluation; Major General Ahmed Jawad, Commander Special Operations Forces; and Brigadier General Muhammad Imran Aslam, Commander of the 22nd Special Forces Brigade of the Pakistan Army.

Addressing the participants after the tactical demonstrations on October 1, Ambassador Khorev congratulated the troops on successfully completing the exercises.

He praised the high level of coordination and cohesion demonstrated by the Russian and Pakistani units and highlighted the opportunity to exchange military experience and traditions.

The ambassador said such joint exercises were important for enhancing cooperation between the two countries and further strengthening bilateral relations.