ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday concluded a two-week joint counterterrorism exercise in northwestern Pakistan, aimed at strengthening operational coordination and refining combat tactics between the armed forces of the two countries, the military said.
The exercise, titled Shake Hands-II, was held at Tarbela and brought together special operations forces from both countries for joint training in counterterrorism procedures, drills and operational techniques, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
“The exercise was aimed at refining the drills, procedures and techniques involved in counterterrorism operations,” the ISPR said in a statement.
The military said the exercise began on April 27 and concluded on Thursday after two weeks of intensive training designed to improve interoperability and enhance combat readiness.
“Combat teams from Special Services Group, Pakistan Army and Sri Lankan Special Forces participated in the exercise,” the statement said.
The ISPR said the drills also reflected the longstanding military-to-military relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, describing the exercise as part of broader defense cooperation between the two countries.
The closing ceremony was attended by the General Officer Commanding of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group as chief guest, while Sri Lanka’s Major General Ajith Abeyawardana also witnessed the concluding session.
“The troops displayed highest standards of professional excellence during the conduct,” the ISPR said.
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