?

????Special operations detachments from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states staged a joint anti-terrorism exercise in mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan from April 21 to 25. The exercise was designed to deepen military exchanges and cooperation among SCO member states, to learn from each other’s anti-terrorism training experience, and to improve the joint combat capabilities.

????China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan each sent more than 20 soldiers to take part in the exercise. During activities, including hostage rescue, evacuation of the wounded, and sniping at armed gangs in mountains and valleys, the troops discussed skills and experiences and deepened their exchanges.

??? Colonel Ma Xiaoxiao of China’s Lanzhou Military Area Command, said he had felt deep mutual trust among the participating countries during the exercise, the first of its kind held under the SCO framework. “We hope we can safeguard security and regional stability through our efforts,” he said.