MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Joint Staff conducted exercises simulating counteraction to the Islamic State militant group, the CSTO said in a statement Monday.
The exercise included the simulation of ISIL militant activities in non-existent CSTO member states.
In particular, participants focused on providing military, financial and technical help to countries in which militant groups, such as Islamic State, show rapid advancement. The participating military also proposed measures to ensure border security in member states in case of radical group advancement.
ISIL, known for its many human rights atrocities, including kidnappings and public executions, has seized large parts of Iraq and Syria. The group is shown to have affiliates in North Africa, Yemen, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to estimates by the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence, at least 1,800 residents of CSTO member states have traveled to Syria to join the armed conflict between the Syrian government and various militias, including the Islamic State.
