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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have launched the bilateral counterterrorism exercise &ldquo;Shake Hands-II&rdquo; at Tarbela, a city in northwest Pakistan, aimed at enhancing operational coordination and strengthening defense ties between the two countries, the military&rsquo;s media wing said on Monday.&nbsp;The two-week&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-egypt-conclude-joint-counterterrorism-exercise" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">joint exercise</a>&nbsp;commenced on April 27, 2026, with the participation of the Pakistan Army&rsquo;s Special Services Group (SSG) and Special Forces from the Sri Lanka Army, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.&nbsp;According to ISPR, the exercise is designed to improve professional capabilities through joint training in counterterrorism operations while deepening the longstanding military-to-military relationship between the two friendly nations.&nbsp;During the exercise, troops from both sides will engage in specialized drills, tactical maneuvers, and operational planning focused on counterterrorism scenarios.&nbsp;The participating soldiers are also expected to benefit from the exchange of operational experiences and expertise, helping improve interoperability, coordination, and mutual understanding between the two forces.&nbsp;ISPR said the exercise reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Sri Lanka to regional peace, security, and stronger bilateral defense cooperation.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka launch bilateral counter-terrorism exercise “Shake Hands-II” at Tarbela, a city in northwest Pakistan, on Monday, April 27, 2026. (Photo: ISPR)

Security

The exercise aims to improve professional capabilities through joint training in counterterrorism operations while deepening the longstanding military-to-military relationship between the two friendly nations, according to ISPR.

Articles tagged with "Shake Hands-II exercise"

Pakistan, Sri Lanka begin joint counterterrorism exercise Shake Hands-II

Pakistan, Sri Lanka begin joint counterterrorism exercise Shake Hands-II