Shanghai Cooperation Organization holds military drills in Kyrgyzstan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 April 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Shanghai Cooperation Organization holds military drills in Kyrgyzstan, 22 April 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5565ba252b.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 22, 2015
By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
BISHKEK – Special forces from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states are holding joint military maneuvers in Kyrgyzstan.
The Kyrgyz Defense Ministry said on April 22 that military units from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan have started the four-day exercises in the Shamsi Gorge, near the northern city of Tokmok, on April 21.
The other SCO member, Uzbekistan, was not taking part.
The ministry said the drills are aimed to practice fighting illegal armed groups and terrorists in open spaces and inside buildings, and securing the release of hostages.
Russia and the mostly Muslim former Soviet republics in Central Asia have expressed concerns about a possible spread of Islamic extremism following the withdrawal of most foreign combat troops from Afghanistan last year.
Afghanistan, India, Iran, Mongolia, and Pakistan have observer status in the SCO.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
