Central Asian countries initiated joint military exercises without the participation of regional powers Russia and China for the first time on July 9.
The exercises, named Birlestik-2024, which means "alliance" in Kazakh, are hosted by Kazakhstan and include four other ex-Soviet states. The drills, taking place in the Caspian Sea, will run until July 17, involving around 4,000 troops along with warships, aviation, artillery, and tanks.
A spokesperson for Kazakhstan's armed forces highlighted the unprecedented nature of these drills, describing them as "the first of their kind." Kyrgyzstan's defense ministry elaborated on the objectives, stating that the exercises will focus on "liberating an island captured by terrorists" and conducting operations to ensure maritime security and protect critical infrastructure.
Traditionally, these Central Asian countries have participated in military drills alongside Russia through the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and with China under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The most recent joint drills with these major powers occurred in 2023, involving 1,500 troops.
This shift towards independent regional cooperation comes after decades of strife and is indicative of the increasing self-reliance among Central Asian states. The region's rich natural resources and strategic importance as a trade route have attracted significant international interest. All participating countries are part of the "Middle Corridor," a transport route connecting China and Europe that bypasses Russia.
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