DUSHANBE, October 2, 2013, Asia-Plus -- A joint military exercise for Tajik and Kyrgyz servicemen is closing at the Chorukhdayron training ground in the Tajik northern province of Sughd today with a final phase featuring live-fire missions.

The exercise, dubbed “Zashchita-2012” (20013 Protection), was launched on September 27.

Faridoun Mahmadaliyev, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Tajikistan, says the purpose of the exercise, which involves servicemen of Tajik military units and servicemen of the mountain rifle unit of the Kyrgyz armed forces along with armored vehicles and artillery, is to rehears coordination and interaction in missions to combat terrorists.

Head of the General Staff of Tajikistan’s Armed Forces, Lieutenant-General Ramil Nadyrov, is in overall command of the war game.

Defense Minister Sherali Khairulloyev and Sughd Governor Qohir Rasoulzoda are observing the final phase of the exercise.