MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. The Russian military bases in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan maintain constant alert to respond instantly in the event of negative developments in the Afghan direction, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov has told reporters.

"The combat potential of the Russian military bases in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan is maintained for timely response to the possible negative developments in the Afghan direction," he said.

Antonov also noted that Russia provided assistance to Tajikistan along the border with Tajikistan within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). According to him, these measures involve assistance in modernizing the country’s armed forces and training military personnel.