International tactical peacekeeping exercises begin in Kazakhstan

The first phase of an international tactical peacekeeping drill kicked off in Kazakhstan on Monday, the Kazakh Defense Ministry said.

More than 60 troops from the United States and Britain took part in the military exercises, dubbed Steppe Eagle 2016, with Kazakh peacekeeping forces at the Iliskiy training center near Almaty.

During the first phase of the drill, the three countries' troops will exchange experiences on tactical communications, operations of engineering and mine sweeping groups, medical care and evacuation, among others.

The second phase of the drill will be held in Britain, and about 250 Kazakh troops are expected to participate.

Steppe Eagle, which has been held annually since 2003, is designed to check the ability of peacekeepers to perform complex tasks as part of multinational forces and under a unified command.

Source: XINHUA