Counterterrorism drills led by a Russian organisation ended on Saturday after six days of demonstrations

Aggressive tanks paired with loud bangs… these were the scenes at the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan for the past six days. 

In a show of military power, the Russian-led exercise acted as a warning to prevent the Taliban from entering Tajik territory. 

Carried out by the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and backed by multiple former Soviet countries, more than 4,000 troops were present during the exercise that ended on Saturday.

Tanks, artillery and assault aircrafts were seen in support of Tajikistan and the Russian military base nearby.

Secretary General of the CSTO says they “will not leave Tajikistan alone in the face of danger”.

Afghanistan is home to millions of Tajiks, making up the second largest ethnic group in the country.

According to Russian media reports, the Taliban has allied with an ethnic Tajik militant group that seeks to overthrow Tajikistan’s president.

For now, the relationship between the two countries remains strained.