With the Taliban making major military advances in the wake of a US troop pullout, Russia is fortifying its borders as a precautionary measure as it fears refugees may be pushed into its Central Asian backyard destabilise its southern defensive flank. 

Tanks have been deployed from Russia’s military base in Tajikistan, its largest on foreign soil, to a military range near the Afghan border, Russia’s Central Military District was quoted as saying by Ariana news.

During the deployment, the T-72 tank crews practiced protecting convoys and repelling enemy fire, it reported.

“Upon arrival at the range, the crews started setting up their positions and providing cover for combat vehicles,” the statement released by Russia’s Central Military District said.

The joint exercises, which involve Russian, Tajik, and Uzbek forces, are due to take place 20 km from the Afghan border in Tajikistan from August  5-10, Russia’s armed forces said on Monday.

On Tuesday, Russia said joint exercises with Uzbek troops in southern Uzbekistan, also near the Afghan border, would run from July 30 to Aug. 10, involving around 1,500 troops and 200 vehicles, including aircraft.

(SAM)