ANOTHER DISASTER IN RUSSIAN MILITARY EXERCISE IN TAJIKISTAN.

At least six Russian soldiers were killed and twelve (fifteen according to another version) were injured on April 14 during a Russian war game in Tajikistan. The mishap occurred when an Uragan missile went off trajectory and hit an armored personnel carrier with soldiers aboard. Another version suggests that three projectiles hit more than one carrier. Yesterday’s disaster is the second in this war game. On April 11, a Sukhoi-25 fighter-bomber crashed, killing both pilots. (See Monitor, April 13)

The exercise is underway at the Shaartuz military range, some 150 kilometers south of Dushanbe. It involves Russia’s 201st division, which is sometimes billed as one of the most battle-ready in the Russian ground forces. The two accidents occurred in the presence of Russian top brass, including the ground forces’ commander, Colonel-General Anatoly Golovnev, and the commander of the Volga military district, Colonel-General Anatoly Sergeev. Owing to its "peacekeeping" status, the 201st division is subordinated to the Volga military district. The main phase of the exercise was scheduled for April 15-16, with the participation of Tajik command staff and a Tajik army battalion. (Russian agencies, April 14 and 15) — VS

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