Iran Set to Host Major SCO Counterterrorism Exercise: Strengthening Regional Security
In a significant move to enhance regional security, Olarbek Sharshiev, the Executive Committee Director of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), announced the upcoming counterterrorism drill named “Sahand–Counterterrorism–2025.” This crucial exercise is set to take place near the northwestern city of Tabriz, Iran, on December 4. This drill aims to bolster the operational readiness of participating nations in the face of increasingly complex terrorist threats.
During a recent press briefing, Sharshiev indicated that official invitations and detailed schedules for the exercise will soon be dispatched to both participating and observer countries. This initiative reflects the SCO’s commitment to fostering collaboration among its member states in addressing cross-border terrorist threats.
The “Sahand–Counterterrorism–2025” drill is particularly noteworthy as it marks the second joint counterterrorism exercise among SCO member states since the organization’s establishment in 1996. The first exercise, titled “Anti-terrorism Interaction-2024,” took place in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region last year. That event featured live drills and specialized operations aimed at the “eradication of terrorist groups,” according to the China’s Ministry of Public Security.
As reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency on July 23, 2024, this upcoming exercise represents a historic moment: “the first time the relevant agencies from all SCO member states have participated in a joint counter-terrorism live drill.” This collaborative effort underscores the importance of unity in the face of shared security challenges.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a crucial Eurasian intergovernmental organization established to enhance multilateral security, economic, and political cooperation among its members. Founded in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, the SCO’s primary objective has been to counter terrorism, extremism, and separatism. Over the years, the organization has expanded, with Uzbekistan joining later, leading to its current name.
Notably, the SCO has evolved from being viewed as a strategic counterweight to US influence in Central Asia to a broader coalition. The organization’s membership now includes India and Pakistan, which became full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.
The 25th SCO Summit of Heads of State took place on August 31 in Tianjin, China. This event was attended by leaders from over 20 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, along with representatives from 10 international organizations. Such high-level gatherings highlight the SCO’s growing importance on the global stage.
Currently, the SCO’s full members consist of:
- Iran
- Russia
- Belarus
- China
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Pakistan
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) serves as a permanent body within the SCO, focusing on coordinating counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and intelligence-gathering activities among member states. This structure also supports initiatives aimed at combating the “Three Evils”: terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism.
Moreover, the organization has aspirations to establish transnational enforcement capabilities, including the formation of SCO police and military forces. RATS has broadened its focus in recent years to address the challenges of narcoterrorism and drug smuggling, which have emerged as major funding sources for anti-government activities within member states.
In addition to its operational capabilities, RATS maintains a comprehensive database of individuals and organizations identified as supporters of groups categorized as terrorists, separatists, or extremists by SCO member states. This database is an essential tool in the ongoing fight against terrorism and extremism, further emphasizing the SCO’s commitment to regional stability and security.
As the date for the “Sahand–Counterterrorism–2025” drill approaches, member states are preparing to engage in meaningful collaboration aimed at enhancing their collective security framework. This exercise not only reflects the SCO’s dedication to counterterrorism but also highlights the importance of unity in a world increasingly threatened by terrorism in its many forms.
With the commitment of all member states, the SCO is poised to make significant strides in countering terrorism and reinforcing stability across the region.
