Pakistan Army opens joint counter-terrorism drills with Russia, Oman

The Pakistan Army has commenced two joint military exercises with Russia and Oman, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday. The two-week drills are designed to improve counter-terrorism capabilities, interoperability and bilateral defence cooperation.

The ninth edition of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Exercise Druzhba-IX started at Cherat, while the second edition of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Exercise Washaq Al Jabal-II, also known as Mountain Lynx-II, began at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi. Both locations are in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the ISPR, the exercises bring together contingents from the Pakistan Army, the Russian Army and the Royal Army of Oman. The participating forces will share operational experience and refine counter-terrorism drills and procedures during the two weeks of training.

The military's media wing said the troops will exchange best practices, hone combat skills and enhance tactical expertise. The training is expected to improve interoperability among the three militaries and to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, and between Pakistan and Oman, the statement added.

Minute Mirror reported that the drills are also intended to develop greater coordination among the armed forces of the participating countries and to improve military-to-military ties.

The ISPR statement did not specify the number of troops involved or the exact operational scenarios to be rehearsed. No details were provided on the number of participating soldiers from each country or the specific types of weapons and equipment to be used. The ISPR said further updates on the exercises will be shared as the training progresses. Both exercises are being conducted simultaneously in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Druzhba series between Pakistan and Russia is now in its ninth edition, while the Washaq Al Jabal series with Oman is in its second edition, according to the military's media wing. Business Recorder and Minute Mirror both carried the announcement on Tuesday.