MOSCOW, October 15. /TASS/. Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) peacekeepers have repelled an attack by a simulated enemy on a convoy carrying humanitarian aid as part of the Indestructible Brotherhood 2026 exercise in Belarus, Vladislav Shchegrikovich, press secretary for the CSTO Joint Staff, reported.
"At the Losvido training ground in the Republic of Belarus, during the Indestructible Brotherhood 2026 command and staff exercise involving CSTO peacekeeping forces, peacekeeping units repelled an attack by a simulated enemy on a convoy carrying humanitarian aid. The exercise focused on organizing the safe transit of vehicles and ensuring the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the population. Particular attention was paid to the escorting of humanitarian cargoes, which required coordinated action among various units and the use of specialized equipment," the statement reads.
According to the exercise scenario, a simulated sabotage and reconnaissance group attacked the humanitarian convoy while it was in transit. "Motorized rifle units from a Central Military District formation, supported by BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, practiced repelling an attack using the standard weapons of their combat vehicles and AK-12 assault rifles. The BTR-82A crews used 30mm 2A72 automatic cannons and coaxial 7.62mm PKTM machine guns to provide fire support for the motorized rifle units and suppress the simulated enemy’s firing positions," Shchegrikovich reported.
"Mobile reserve groups were promptly deployed to provide fire support, successfully eliminating the remnants of a sabotage and reconnaissance group. "A damaged armored personnel carrier was successfully recovered by repair units using a REM-KL wheeled repair and recovery vehicle, which underscored the readiness of the collective forces to handle complex tasks in the field," he said.
The CSTO press secretary noted that during this phase of the exercise, the peacekeepers demonstrated determination and professionalism, while an electronic warfare (EW) system successfully neutralized several explosive devices, thereby minimizing casualties. "Although one vehicle sustained damage, the rest of the convoy quickly moved out of the line of fire and continued its advance," he added.
He pointed out that the movement of the mixed convoy was carried out under heavy, reinforced protection. "The airspace was monitored by a pair of Mi-35 helicopters providing air cover. The route was scouted using an unmanned aerial vehicle. To protect the convoy, a security detail was organized, comprising armored personnel carriers, a mobile fire support group, and electronic warfare systems," he noted.
Shchegrikovich emphasized that an electronic warfare system mounted on an all-terrain vehicle played a key role in ensuring security. "The automated electronic warfare system, capable of operating at a range of up to 500 meters, effectively suppresses radio emission sources--a capability that is critical for preventing the detonation of radio-controlled explosive devices," the press secretary said.
About the exercise
On October 11, the CSTO command and staff exercises Indestructible Brotherhood 2026 and Barrier 2026 began in Belarus. They involve over 1,500 military personnel and 300 pieces of weaponry, military hardware, and specialized equipment. Taking part in the exercises are troop contingents (Collective Forces) from the CSTO member states: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. These include military contingents, units of internal affairs bodies and national guard, as well as task groups of the CSTO Joint Staff and Secretariat. The Russian military contingent is primarily composed of units from a combined arms army of the Central Military District.