Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 5 September, at the military training ground, the State Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with support from the Anti-Terrorism Center of the CIS, conducted the force phase of the joint anti-terrorism exercises "Vostok-Antiterror 2024" involving the competent authorities of the Commonwealth.

The objectives of the drills were to enhance the effectiveness of the competent authorities of the CIS member states in conducting joint operations to detect and prevent terrorist acts, neutralize terrorist threats to border security, and suppress mass disturbances.

Leaders and representatives of the competent authorities of SCO and CIS member states, as well as observers from authorized structures of interested international organizations, were invited to the anti-terrorism exercises.

During the exercises, scenarios involving the rescue of hostages and the neutralization of simulated terrorists at critical infrastructure sites were practiced, utilizing specialized and military equipment, including aviation and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Special units from the State Security Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Emergency Situations, National Guard, Ministry of Defense, as well as the General Prosecutor's Office and Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, were involved in the activities.

Observers were shown elements of special operations to block and eliminate illegal armed formations with terrorist intentions, as well as measures to suppress mass disturbances and resolve crisis situations.

The conducted drills demonstrated a high level of preparedness of the involved forces and resources in neutralizing simulated terrorist groups, as well as the coordination of actions among the participating ministries and agencies.

The joint anti-terrorism exercises "Vostok-Antiterror 2024" highlighted the importance of practical interaction systems among the special services of the Commonwealth states, contributed to the improvement of planning, preparation, and execution of joint anti-terrorism activities, and allowed for the practice of coordinated actions to detect and prevent terrorist acts and ensure public order.

These exercises were the twentieth of their kind held under the auspices of the Anti-Terrorism Center of the CIS, with the Republic of Uzbekistan participating in six of them.

Overall, "Vostok-Antiterror 2024" left a positive impression on participants and observers, particularly noting the high level of organization and professionalism of the personnel involved from special units and other agencies.