Cherat (GNP): Russian and Pakistani special forces have completed the ninth edition of their joint Druzhba military exercises at Cherat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The two sides used the drills to rehearse coordinated counterterrorism operations in difficult terrain.
The Russian contingent came from the 201st Military Base, which is part of Russia’s Central Military District and stationed in Tajikistan. It trained alongside Pakistan’s Special Forces. Druzhba is the Russian word for friendship.
The training culminated in tactical demonstrations on October 1. Troops carried out joint operations using advanced weapons and technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles. A closing ceremony followed to mark the end of the exercises.
Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev attended the ceremony. Colonel Oleg Stetsyuk, Deputy Chief of Staff of Russia’s Central Military District, commanded the Russian side.
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Pakistan’s leadership was also present. Lieutenant General Muhammad Amir Najam, Inspector General Training and Evaluation, and Major General Ahmed Jawad, Commander Special Operations Forces, attended. They were joined by Brigadier General Muhammad Imran Aslam, Commander of the 22nd Special Forces Brigade of the Pakistan Army.
After the demonstrations, Ambassador Khorev addressed the participants and congratulated both sides on completing the exercises. He praised the coordination and cohesion shown by the Russian and Pakistani units.
He said the drills gave troops a chance to share experience and military traditions. He also stressed that such exercises help strengthen relations between the two countries.
The fact that Druzhba has now reached its ninth round shows a defence relationship that has continued across multiple editions. This year’s emphasis on counterterrorism, in challenging terrain and with drone support, marks the latest stage in that cooperation.
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
