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Russian paratroopers conduct combat training near Tajik-Afghan border

80 Russian paratroopers landed near the Tajik-Afghan border in the area of the Moscow border guard detachment within the framework of joint drills with units of the armed forces of Tajikistan

YEKATERINBURG, March 15. /TASS/. Russian paratroopers held combat training drills near the Tajik-Afghan border on Tuesday during a joint exercise in Tajikistan, spokesman for Russia’s Central Military District Colonel Yaroslav Roshchupkin told TASS.

According to him, 80 Russian paratroopers landed near the Tajik-Afghan border in the area of the Moscow border guard detachment within the framework of joint command-staff exercise with units of the armed forces of Tajikistan. "The troops’ air dropping was performed from two Ilyushin Il-76 military-transport planes with the use of the Arbalet special-purpose parachute system, designed for jumps with the mission armament. The parachute system’s unique characteristics make it possible to make jumps from the maximum allowable altitudes with the horizontal movement of the parachutist in the air at a distance of up to 50 kilometers. The paratroopers immediately after landing engaged in a simulated combat with an imaginary illegal armed group," Roshchupkin said.

According to previous reports, the main stage of the joint command and staff exercises involving units of the Russian and Tajikistani armed forces started at four ranges in Tajikistan.

"Drills with the use of modern automation equipment for information exchange between the headquarters’ command and control posts, including with Russia’s National Defense Control Centre have been conducted," Roshchupkin said on Monday. The change of the deployment areas of the command and alternate command posts has been made. The total length of the redeployment route has exceeded 20,000 kilometers.

On Sunday, the Central Military District completed redeployment of Russian aircraft involved in the maneuvers to tactical airfields in Tajikistan.

The Russian-Tajikistani joint aviation group comprises the Tupolev Tu-22M3 long-range missile carrying bombers, Sukhoi Su-25SM strike-fighters, Su-24M frontline bombers, Mi-24 attack helicopters and Mi-8 transport-combat helicopters, as well as forces and facilities of Tajikistan’s Air Force. The task of the established group is to ensure the deployment and actions of troops at the Lyaur, Kharb-Maidon, Momirak and Khalkayor ranges. "The bodies of military administration of the Defense Ministry of Tajikistan and Russia’s Central Military District, motorized infantry, armored and artillery units, special forces, airborne and air assault groups are involved in the maneuvers", Roshchupkin said.

According to the Tajikistani Defense Ministry’s press center, the joint anti-terrorism exercises involved up to 50,000 troops and reservists of the country’s Armed Forces.