Pak-Russia joint military exercise Druzhba-V continues in Tarbela

Troops are practising counter-terror drills and rappelling, says ISPR

The joint military exercise between Pakistan Army and Russian troops – Druzhba-V – continues at Tarbela, said a tweet by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The Russian special forces troops are in Pakistan for two-weeks to participate in the joint military exercise.

The military media wing said the troops are practising counter-terror drills and procedures, rappelling and also making preparations for sky diving.

"Sports activities are also part of the exercise."

Pakistan - Russian Federation Special Forces joint exercise #DRUZHBA-V underway at Tarbela. The participating troops busy in practicing Counter Terrorism drills and procedures, rappelling and preparations for sky diving. Sports activities are also part of exercise. pic.twitter.com/538ugAzQhP

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 10, 2020

The joint exercises are seen as another step in growing military-to-military cooperation, indicating a steady growth in the relationship between the two countries, whose ties had been marred by Cold War rivalry for decades.

Pak-Russia joint military exercises Druzhba (friendship) are held every year. The exercises started in 2016. These exercises include aspects of counter-terrorism and special operations.

In September this year, a contingent of the Pakistan armed forces participated in the opening ceremony of multinational military exercises titled ‘Kavkaz 2020’ in the Russian city of Astrakhan.

Pakistan had also participated in the similar series of exercises called 'Tsentr 2019', in Russia last year. The wargames were joined by troops from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and other countries.