MNA – The annual strategic-operational exercise “Kavkaz 2020” (“Caucasus 2020”) kicked off in Russia on Monday with Iran's military representatives taking part in the drill.

The joint exercise, which will go on till Saturday, September 26, will feature large-scale drills spread across the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea.

Iranian flotilla, along will Russian vessels, will take part in the drills in the Caspian Sea.

The military exercise is conducted with the aim of preparing to fight international terrorism and protecting the strategic Central Asia region.

Beyond Russia, Iran and fellow Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, other foreign participants reportedly include Mongolia, Syria, Egypt, Belarus, Turkey, Armenia, Turkmenistan and Myanmar.