MOSCOW – The Russian and Tajikistan forces have launched joint militaryexercises close to the border with Afghanistan amid growing instability inthe key northern provinces of Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defense of Tajikistan has confirmed that the jointexercises have been launched to prepare the armed forces to respond topossible threats from the Taliban and other militants in Afghanistan.

According to reports, at least ten thousand Tajikistani forces haveparticipated in the joint military exercises.

Around 400 Russian troops have also taken part in the military exerciseswith the Tajikistani officials saying at least 80 military vehicles willalso be used.

This comes as the growing instability in the northern provinces ofAfghanistan has sparked concerns among the officials of Central Asiancountries having borders with Afghanistan.

The Taliban militants as well as the terrorists affiliated with the IslamicState of Iraq and Syria Khurasan (ISIS-K) are actively operating in some ofthe northern provinces of Afghanistan.