Russia To Hold Military Drills Near Afghanistan Border Next Month

The joint drills will take place August 5-10 at the Kharbmaidon training ground in Tajikistan near the Afghan border, the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

Russia said Monday it will stage military drills next month with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan near the border with Afghanistan where the Taliban has led a lightning offensive against government troops. The insurgents have capitalised on the withdrawal of foreign troops to launch a series of offensives across the country. Afghan government troops and refugees have in recent weeks crossed into Tajikistan, fleeing Taliban advances. The joint drills will take place August 5-10 at the Kharbmaidon training ground in Tajikistan near the Afghan border, the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.