SCO Member States Conduct First Joint Anti-Terrorism Drill in China

SCO member states conducted the first joint anti-terrorism drill in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The exercise aimed to enhance capabilities and interoperability against terrorist threats. It featured specialized operations and showcased the cooperation between SCO members in counter-terrorism efforts.

Security officials from Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states held their first joint anti-terrorism drill in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, focusing on live drills and specialized operations such as the eradication of terrorist groups.

The 'Interaction-2024' exercises marked the first time all relevant agencies from SCO member states have participated in a joint counter-terrorism live drill, according to China's Ministry of Public Security.

The exercise aimed to enhance member states' capabilities and interoperability in joint anti-terrorism operations, considering the transnational nature of terrorist threats.

Photos from the drill showed heavily armed soldiers and police officers utilizing a range of equipment, including assault rifles, armored vehicles, helicopters, and modern technology like aerial drones and robot dogs. Representatives from the SCO Secretariat and the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure were present.

Earlier this month, Belarus became the 10th official member state of the SCO, which now includes China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The drill reinforced the strong cooperation already existing among SCO members in the fight against terrorism, according to Li Wei, a security expert from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

Li noted that countries across Central, South and West Asia are dealing with diverse terrorist threats, and recent attacks in Moscow highlight the global nature of these dangers. The drill underscored the necessity for unified action to address these threats effectively.

(With inputs from agencies.)