Sri Lankan troops in joint anti-terrorist exercise in Russia

The Defence Ministry said yesterday that Sri Lankan troops had participated in counter-terrorism exercise with Russian counterparts in Russia. The announcement was made after the conclusion of the exercise and the return of 75 personnel, including 20 officers, to Sri Lanka. The exercise included training in heli-rappelling, close-quarters battle, sniper fire, ambush operations and drone operations in the far east of Russia.

The contingent of 20 officers and 55 other ranks took part in Exercise Wolverine Path II, held at Vladivostok, from 18 to 25 September. The troops returned, through Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, on 28 September.

The Defence Ministry listed the training as counter-insurgency operations, tactical shooting, offensive and defensive manoeuvres, tactical medical training and the deployment of unmanned aerial systems.

“The training programme provided an opportunity for the participating troops to exchange operational experiences and training methodologies while developing their ability to operate together in diverse tactical scenarios,” the Ministry said.