ACTIVE PHASE OF CSTO MILITARY EXERCISE “COBALT-2016” TO START
Active phase of the “Cobalt-2016” special tactical military exercise of the CSTO member states’ law enforcement (police) units constituting the Units of collective rapid response forces of the Collective Security Treaty Organization is to be carried out on May 26th, 2016 at the facilities of the “Bagramyan” training center in Armenia, as stated by CSTO Press Secretary Mr. Vladimir Zainetdinov.
During the active phase of the military exercise the Special Operations Forces of CSTO Collective Rapid Response Forces will be deployed. In accordance with the scenario the Collective Rapid Response Forces are to carry out special-forces operation to destroy terrorist groups, armed drug gangs and to release hostages.
The active phase is to feature the CSTO Secretary General Nikolai Bordyuzha, Chief of Armenia’s Police Vladimir Gasparyan, Defence Minister of Armenia, Chairman of the CSTO Defence Ministers Council Seiran Ohanyan, Deputy Ministers of Interior of the CSTO member states, Representatives of the CIS Anti-Terrorist Center and representatives of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
“This military exercise is of high significance because it’s the first time such an anti-terrorist exercise is carried out in the Caucasian collective security area in the Republic of Armenia,” – noted Press Secretary.
Over 500 military and special-forces personnel are to take part in the exercise supported by over 20 combat vehicles and 4 combat and military-transport helicopters. During the first stage of the exercise Special Operations Forces units were organized and deployed in the destination area. Operational coordination of the units was carried out. Operations HQ trained practical skills of planning and executing special operations using Special Operations Forces and military personnel.
Special Forces units of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan participate in the exercise. Upon termination of the military exercise Deputy Ministers of Interior of the CSTO member states are to hold a meeting to discuss the issue of additional measures required to counteract to international terrorism and extremism acting within the frameworks of the Collective Security treaty. The meeting is also to consider the issues of enhancement of combat readiness of law enforcement units constituting the CSTO Units of collective rapid response forces and the CSTO Peacekeeping Force.
