The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) recently held its inaugural joint anti-terrorism drill in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to combat global terrorism. The large-scale exercise, named Anti-terrorism Interaction-2024, featured live forces from all member states, showcasing the SCO’s robust determination and capabilities in addressing the resurgence of terrorist threats.
The Anti-terrorism Interaction-2024 joint exercise, reported by China Central Television (CCTV), is a landmark event as it is the first time that relevant authorities from all SCO member states have participated in a unified anti-terrorism drill. This comprehensive engagement reflects a growing consensus among these nations on the importance of collective security measures to counter terrorism.
The SCO, which recently welcomed Belarus as its 10th official member, now comprises China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. This diverse coalition spans Central, South, and West Asia, creating a broad-based platform for cooperation against terrorism.
The exercise was designed to target signs of terrorist organizations conducting sabotage activities. Training scenarios included special operations aimed at eliminating terrorist groups, with soldiers and police officers fully armed and deploying a variety of tactical equipment. The drill featured the use of assault rifles, pistols, riot shields, armored and all-terrain vehicles, helicopters, aerial drones, and robot dogs.
Li Wei, a research fellow and security expert from the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, highlighted the significance of the exercise in an interview with the Global Times. Li noted that while the SCO had previously conducted anti-terrorism exercises, they were either bilateral or multilateral and did not include all member states. The comprehensive nature of the latest drill underscores the shared understanding among SCO nations regarding the threats posed by terrorism.
Regional and Global Terrorist Threats
Countries within the SCO, particularly in Central, South, and West Asia, are grappling with various sources of terrorist threats. Russia, for instance, recently experienced a terrorist attack at a concert hall in Moscow in March. China, too, faces potential terrorist threats, and there has been a resurgence of terrorist activities in other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
The spillover effects of terrorist threats necessitate a coordinated global response. The large-scale SCO exercise aimed to enhance the member states’ capabilities and interoperability in joint anti-terrorism operations. This effort is critical in developing effective strategies to counteract terrorism and prevent its spread across borders.
One of the notable aspects of the Anti-terrorism Interaction-2024 exercise was the integration of advanced technology in anti-terrorism operations. The deployment of aerial drones and robot dogs exemplifies how modern technology can be leveraged to enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical response capabilities. These technological advancements provide a significant edge in identifying and neutralizing terrorist threats swiftly and efficiently.
The SCO’s joint exercise highlights the crucial role of international cooperation in combating terrorism. By bringing together diverse nations with unique perspectives and experiences, the SCO can foster a comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism. This collaborative framework not only strengthens regional security but also contributes to global efforts in eradicating terrorism.
The success of the Anti-terrorism Interaction-2024 exercise sets a precedent for future joint drills and cooperation among SCO member states. As terrorist threats continue to evolve, the need for adaptive and resilient counter-terrorism strategies becomes more pressing. The SCO’s commitment to joint exercises and collaborative efforts is a positive step towards building a safer and more secure world.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s first joint anti-terrorism drill in China is a testament to the collective resolve and capability of its member states in addressing the complex challenges posed by terrorism. The Anti-terrorism Interaction-2024 exercise not only demonstrated the SCO’s operational readiness but also underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating global terrorism. As the SCO continues to strengthen its joint efforts, it stands as a formidable force in the global fight against terrorism.
