Pakistan, US launch 13th joint counter-terrorism exercise in Pabbi

Inspired Gambit–2026 focuses on counter-terror strategies, emphasising marksmanship, respective operational doctrines

The 13th Pakistan–United States bilateral joint exercise, Inspired Gambit–2026, commenced on January 9, 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi, the military said on Saturday.

The two-week-long exercise is being conducted in the Counter Terrorism (CT) domain, involving professional contingents from the Armies of Pakistan and the United States, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Officials from both sides attended the opening ceremony.

The exercise is aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability through the sharing of counter-terrorism experiences, while further refining tactics, techniques, and procedures essential for effective CT operations.

Emphasis is being laid on marksmanship skills during urban warfare, as well as on understanding each other’s operational doctrines and best practices.

Such joint training exercises are of vital importance in addressing evolving security challenges, improving professional military standards, and strengthening the capacity of both forces to operate in complex counter-terrorism environments.