Joint exercises involving the peacekeeping forces of member countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), named "Unbreakable Brotherhood - 2023," have commenced in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. This information was provided by the press service of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense.
"Today, in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, at the Edelweiss training range, the opening ceremony of the active phase of the joint exercise with the CSTO peacekeeping forces, named 'Unbreakable Brotherhood - 2023,' took place," stated the press service.
The primary goals of the exercise include enhancing the practical skills of CSTO peacekeeping unit management and personnel. Additionally, the exercises aim to enhance the coordination among military units and subdivisions.
"During the exercises conducted in a high-mountain environment, participants will practice tasks related to post-conflict settlement in a crisis zone. This includes conducting a peacekeeping operation utilizing resources from the CSTO collective security system and providing humanitarian assistance," the report says.
The exercise involves approximately 1.5 thousand peacekeeping troops from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, along with operational groups from the Joint Staff and the CSTO Secretariat. Additionally, more than 200 units of specialized, armored, and wheeled vehicles, military transport, fighter and army aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and combat boats are participating.
25 years of experience
Anatoly Sidorov, Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff, emphasized that CSTO member states have accumulated over 25 years of experience in peacekeeping missions worldwide. In 2022, CSTO peacekeeping forces were effectively deployed in Kazakhstan, receiving commendation from both the nation's leadership and other member states.
Sidorov highlighted that the CSTO is committed to further enhancing its peacekeeping capabilities, which is a pivotal aspect of the organization's collective security development in the coming years.
He also noted the participation of units from the 8th Guards Panfilov Motorized Rifle Division in the exercises. This division, formed in 1941 in the Kyrgyz and Kazakh SSRs, distinguished itself in the battles near Moscow. Sidorov underlined the importance of preserving military traditions and honoring the memory of predecessors as a testament to the unity and commitment of the member states.
Kyrgyz Deputy Defense Minister Ruslan Mukambetov emphasized that the ongoing exercises take into account the evolving global situation.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense
Based on materials from TASS