A large–scale military exercise for servicemen of the Ministry of Defense of (MoD) of Tajikistan began in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) on August 2.

Faridoun Mahmadalizoda, a spokesman for a MoD, says the exercise involving armored vehicles, combat helicopters and 10,000 people, including servicemen of Tajik Armed Forces, reservists, local police and civilian support services, is being conducted on behalf of the president.  

The exercise scenario is reportedly based on a group of armed terrorists breaking the border.

The purpose of the exercise is to rehearse organization of territorial defense, mobilization of reservists as well as coordination and interaction in anti-terror missions.

Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo is in overall command of the ongoing war game, according to Mahmadalizoda.