Security

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  Security

  2022-01-18

  Russia, Belarus hold snap military drills as Ukraine tensions rise

  Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenka told military officials to start the drills 'so nobody can accuse us of having massed troops all of a sudden and of being almost ready to go to war'.

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  Security

  2022-01-17

  Uzbekistan faces renewed pressure to rejoin CSTO in wake of Kazakh unrest

  The Kremlin knows the CSTO's value in terms of strengthening its control over former Soviet republics, since the help of the CSTO -- or rather Russian armed forces -- requires loyalty in exchange.

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  Security

  2022-01-13

  Uzbeks bristle at CSTO's intervention in Kazakhstan

  As the dust settles in Kazakhstan and CSTO troops begin withdrawing, Uzbeks are expressing alarm over what the deployment means for the region's sovereignty.

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  Security

  2022-01-10

  Russian troops pour into Kazakhstan despite end of crisis

  History suggests the CSTO 'peacekeeping forces' might stay longer than desired as Vladimir Putin detests nearby unrest that might give Russians ideas.

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  Security

  2021-12-31

  Russia's ultimatum to NATO encroaches on Central Asia's sovereignty

  Central Asian governments must integrate and formulate a common foreign policy in order to protect their states from Kremlin interference, analysts say.

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  Security

  2021-12-29

  Russian settlement bursts with activity in the heart of Syria

  In Palmyra, Wagner Group mercenaries, phosphate miners and oil and gas field workers are flooding in to pursue influence and profit, creating a 'totally Russian area'.

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  Security

  2021-12-23

  US continues fight against terrorism in Syria while Russia, Iran pursue interests

  Despite their public pledges of fighting terrorism in Syria, Russia is focused on securing natural resource mining, while Iran seeks to strengthen its proxy militias.

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  Security

  2021-12-14

  Kremlin's Wagner Group slapped with sanctions over destabilising activity

  'The Wagner Group has recruited, trained and sent private military operatives to conflict zones around the world to fuel violence, loot natural resources and intimidate civilians,' the EU said.

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  Security

  2021-12-07

  US equipment bolsters Tajik efforts against smuggling of nuclear material

  The newly deployed equipment includes portable and handheld detection systems, surveillance gear, vehicle inspection kits and a state-of-the-art mobile radiation detection unit.

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  Security

  2021-12-06

  US military shifts focus toward China, Russia, as global power tensions rise

  A recent review has confirmed that the US military is prioritising the Indo-Pacific but also keeping an eye on Russia and Iran.