ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka and Pakistan have launched a two-week joint military exercise to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities, the Pakistani military said on Monday, signaling closer defense cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have had close defense relations for years, with Islamabad assisting the Sri Lankan government in its 25-year-long conflict with Tamil separatist rebels.
The Pakistan–Sri Lanka exercise, ‘Shake Hands-II,’ is a joint counter-terrorism exercise between the armies of the two countries, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media arm.
The two-week exercise commenced at Tarbela, Pakistan, with the participation of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and Special Forces from the Sri Lankan Army.
“The exercise aims to enhance professional capabilities through joint training while further strengthening the longstanding military-to-military relations between the two friendly nations,” the ISPR said.
“Participating troops will benefit from the exchange of operational experiences and expertise in counter-terrorism operations, contributing to improved interoperability and mutual understanding.”
The Pakistani military regularly holds joint air, ground and sea exercises with friendly countries to enhance professional capabilities and interoperability among friend forces.
Earlier this month, Pakistani and Egyptian armies conducted a joint counterterrorism exercise at Pakistan’s Special Operations School in Cherat to enhance interoperability, according to the ISPR.
The two-week exercise, ‘Thunder-II,’ featured “refining drills, procedures, and techniques related to counterterrorism operations.”
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