Armenia opts out of CSTO's Cobalt-2024 military drills

Armenia has decided not to take part in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military exercises dubbed Cobalt-2024, which are set to be held under the leadership of Russia's National Guard (Rosguard) from August 14 to 16 in Novosibirsk, according to Report, which cites Russian media outlets.

According to the Rosguard press service, representatives from the ministries and departments of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan will participate in the Cobalt-2024 event.

The exercises will focus on exchanging experiences and improving interaction skills between special forces units.

Units comprising the CSTO Collective Rapid Reaction Forces will acquire practical skills in joint actions to search, detect, and eliminate illegal armed formations. With the use of aviation and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), special forces will practice storming buildings and vehicles, freeing hostages, and neutralizing militants.