Comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan, the CSTO plans to hold the maneuvers in the coming months, its secretary general, Stanislav Zas, said, according to Sputnik news agency.

Zas described as ‘deeply worrying’ for the Central Asian region the ‘withering offensive of the Taliban’, who have taken control of a large part of Afghanistan, including the national borders and the capital, Kabul. He warned that if an escalation occurs and a threat to the security of the Republic of Tajikistan arises, the CSTO will take appropriate measures set out in the organization’s charter to provide assistance to an ally.

On Monday, the CSTO Secretary General held telephone talks with Tajik Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo and Secretary of the Tajik Security Council Nasrulo Mahmudzoda.

During the dialogue it was confirmed that for the time being the Tajik security forces are in full control of the situation on the border and there is no need to activate the CSTO mechanisms.

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