Shoigu underlines the importance of preparing to repel any infiltration of terrorists from Afghanistan

Moscow (ST): Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stressed the importance of Russia’s allies and partners in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) being ready to counter any possible infiltration of terrorists from Afghanistan.

In a speech he gave during a youth forum and reported by Russia Today, Shoigu indicated that the armed Taliban movement expelled government forces from many areas after the withdrawal of US forces and now control the borders with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, explaining that the dangers that came from  Afghanistan earlier are drug smuggling and infiltration of terrorists to our country through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have not diminished.

“It is important for us that the armed forces of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan be prepared to respond to possible provocations,” Shoigu added, noting that the Russian forces conducted joint exercises with the forces of the two countries, during which they were able to ensure the combat readiness of the forces and identify their weaknesses, and such exercises will continue in the future.

K.Q.