Over 1,000 Russian troops to train at range in Tajikistan near Afghan border

YEKATERINBURG. March 10 (Interfax) - Over 1,000 Russian troops operating more than 300 pieces of hardware, including helicopters, will train at a range in Tajikistan near the Afghan border on March 14-18, the Central Military District's press service said on Thursday.

"Tactical games involving over 1,000 servicemen from the 201st Russian military base will be held at the Kharb Maidon range in Tajikistan on March 14-18," the press service said.

"Over 300 pieces of weapons and military and special hardware, including army aviation helicopters, are due to take part in the exercise," it said.

There will be three stages in the exercise, the press service said. At the first stage, troops will march to the practice area, will deter an attack by sabotage and reconnaissance teams of a mock enemy, and will cross "contaminated" terrain.

"During the main stage of the exercise, the troops will train the blocking and defeat of illegal armed formations. At the final stage of the exercise, the task of regaining combat capacity will be accomplished and troops will prepare for next missions," the press service said.

All tactical operations will involve reconnaissance fire and attack systems, it said.