SCO exercises in Kazakhstan to train new counter terrorism techniques

"This is a unique opportunity to develop common methods of the suppression of terrorism and to practice counter terrorism coordination," Russian General Staff Chief Gen. Nikolai Makarov said. SCO servicemen must rapidly respond to any change in the performance of terrorist units, he said.

More than 1,000 Russian servicemen with about 130 tanks, self-propelled artillery launchers, armored personnel carriers, engineering and communication systems will take part in the practice together with over ten aircraft stationed at the Russian airbase in Kant, Kyrgyzstan.

The servicemen will converge for the opening ceremony on Monday, September 13, and the training will begin. The active phase of the exercises is due on September 24. SCO defense ministers will be watching the joint counter terrorism practice.