Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan plan to hold major maneuvers at the beginning of August along the Afghan-Tajik border amid increasing concern over Taliban offensives against government troops in northern Afghanistan. The commander of Russia’s Central Military District, Aleksandr Lapin, told reporters on July 19 that the drills will be held on Tajikistan’s Harb-Maidon military field on August 5-10. “During the exercises, we will polish joint military efforts against illegal armed formations that intervene into the territory of an ally country,” Lapin said.