TODAY’S PAPER | September 30, 2026 | EPAPER

Pakistan, four other countries participate in special forces exercise in Uzbekistan: state media

Kazakhstan participates in the exercise as an observer country


Web Desk September 30, 2026 3 min read
Troops from Pakistan and four other countries participated in the multinational special forces exercise. Photo: X

Troops from Pakistan and four other countries participated in the multinational special forces exercise Eternal Brotherhood-5 held in Uzbekistan from September 13 to 25, 2026, PTV reported on Wednesday.

According to the state media, Kazakhstan participated in the exercise as an observer country, and the Eternal Brotherhood-5 exercise aimed to enhance cooperation, coordination and professional capabilities among special forces.

The participating forces exchanged experiences in modern operations, combat tactics and dealing with security challenges during the joint exercise, it stated.

The exercise reflected growing defence and security cooperation, mutual trust and the strengthening of military ties among the participating countries, the statement added.

Earlier last week, The Pakistan Army commenced joint military exercises with Russian and Omani forces at Cherat and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Pabbi, respectively, the military’s media wing said.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the ninth edition of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Exercise Druzhba-IX and the second edition of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Exercise Washaq Al Jabal-II (Mountain Lynx-II) commenced on September 22.

"The two-week exercises bring together contingents from the Pakistan Army and their counterparts from the Russian Army and the Royal Army of Oman to share operational experience, refine counter-terrorism drills and procedures, and enhance interoperability," the ISPR said.

The military's media wing further stated that through joint training and the exchange of best practices, the participating forces would hone their combat skills and tactical expertise while further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

The Pakistan Army routinely conducts joint military exercises with foreign militaries to improve operational readiness and enhance combat capabilities.

On May 7, Pakistan and Sri Lanka concluded a two-week-long joint counter-terrorism exercise at Tarbela, focused on enhancing counter-terrorism skills and strengthening their longstanding military-to-military relations.

"The two-week exercise began on April 27 and concluded today. Combat teams from the Special Services Group (SSG) of the Pakistan Army and the Sri Lankan Special Forces participated in the exercise," ISPR said.

ISPR also said that the exercise aimed to refine the drills, procedures and techniques involved in counter-terrorism operations through joint training, while also reinforcing the historic military-to-military relations between the two friendly countries.

On April 20, Pakistan and Egypt successfully concluded a joint counterterrorism exercise called “Thunder-II”. 

According to ISPR, combat teams from the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG) and the Egyptian Special Forces participated in the exercise, “demonstrating exceptional professionalism and operational skill throughout”.

ISPR added that the exercise “served to further strengthen the longstanding and historic military-to-military relations between the two friendly nations”.

In September 2025, "Druzhba-VIII" between the Pakistan and Russian armies was conducted from September 15–27 in the counter-terrorism domain.

"The exercise was aimed at refining the drills, procedures and techniques involved in counterterrorism operations with a focus on drone warfare, fighting in built-up areas and counter-improvised explosive devices," ISPR had said in a statement.

Read More: Pakistan-Russia joint anti-terrorism drill concludes with military show of solidarity

The troops from both countries displayed the highest standards of professional excellence during the exercise, ISPR added.

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