DUSHANBE, April 24, Asia-Plus – A joint exercise for CIS police counter-terrorist forces was conducted in Tajikistan on April 22.

The exercise scenario was based on several groups numbering totaling up to 45 “terrorists” penetrating into Tajikistan from neighboring countries in order to detonate bombs at the Norak hydroelectric the power plant, the aluminum plant (TadAZ), and the electrochemical plant in the Yovon district.  

The purpose of the joint exercise involving 700 police officers from special police task force units from Tajikistan , Russia , Belarus , and Armenia , was in practicing coordination and interaction in fighting terrorist gangs and releasing hostages.  The exercise was conducted in the Magob area of the Romit Gorge, some 45 kilometers east of Dushanbe .    

Tajik Minister of Interior Khumdin Sharipov was in overall command of the exercise in the Romit Gorge.  

Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev praised the counter-terrorist forces for their excellent teamwork.  “This is the first joint exercise held within the framework of a meeting of the Council of CIS Interior Ministers.  It proves that the terrorist threat is the most sensitive topic and that only jointly can we stop criminals and ensure stability and security in our countries,” Nurgaliyev said.