Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Uzbekistan's intelligence services have held joint anti-terrorism exercises, local TV reported.

The exercises were attended by representatives of the National Security Service, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan.

The exercises were conducted in the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC). According to the scenario, role-playing terrorists hijacked AMMC, taking employees of the plant hostage. Then Uzbek secret services conducted an operation to eliminate the terrorists.

Special brigades 'Kalkon' (Shield) and 'Burgut' (Eagle) successfully conducted an operation and foiled the terrorists operations.

The exercises were conducted at the border areas as well. According to the exercise plan, the militants entered the Uzbek territory. Then the military men identified and foiled their attacks. They successfully fulfilled the combat mission.

Modern facilities and heavy military equipment were used at the exercises.

Representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Ministry of Health also actively participated in the exercises.

Uzbekistan maintained the largest military force in Central Asia in the post-Soviet era. Today Uzbekistan is mulling over creation of a professional army in the long-term.

Uzbek government has put much emphasis on the necessity of mobile, skilled forces which are capable of combating terrorism and fighting other possible threats to internal and regional stability.

The Uzbek army totals approximately 40,000 troops spread across four military districts. There are two operational commands in addition to a command located in Tashkent.

In 2006, the active forces were composed of 40,000 army personnel and 10,000 to 15,000 air force personnel. The term of active duty for conscripted personnel is 12 months.

Males are deemed eligible for conscription at the age of 18.