By order of President Emomali Rahmon, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan, all military garrisons of the country were alerted today morning at 4:00 am for a one-day military exercise, dubbed Marz-2021 (Frontier-2021). 

The exercise has involved more than 100,000 soldiers and officers of the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, the Interior Ministry, the State Committee for National Security, the Emergencies Committee as well as about 130,000 reservists and civilian support services.

The Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo, Dushanbe Mayor Rustam Emomali, Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) Governor Yodgor Fayzov, Khatlon Governor Qurbon Hakimzoda and Sughd Governor Rajabboy Ahmadzoda reported on the combat readiness of military garrisons to the president.

The exercise has also involved armored vehicles, tanks, combat and transport planes, attack helicopters and artillery.  

Military parades were held today morning in all regions of the country.

The military parade that was held in the territory of one of subunits of the National Guard in Dushanbe was attended by President Emomali Rahmon.  More than 10,000 soldiers and officers were on the military parade in Dushanbe. 

Addressing the military parade in Dushanbe, Rahmon, in particular, noted that it was necessary to hold such large-scale exercises at least once or twice a year.

He noted that such a large-scale exercise was held in Tajikistan for the first time and it was held in connection deterioration of situation in neighboring Afghanistan.  

The head of state said the government would take all possible measures to ensure peace and stability in the country.  

Rahmon noted that Afghan crisis could not be overcome by force.  “Only peaceful negotiations and agreements between the belligerents can restore peace and harmony on Afghan soil,” he said.  

The president invited the Afghan people to follow the example of Tajikistan in achieving peace.

At the same time, Tajik leader noted that Tajikistan would never use its army against neighboring countries. 

All Tajik national TV channels have broadcast the exercise and the military parade in the territory of the National Guard’s subunits in Dushanbe live.