BISHKEK, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Special forces from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have started joint military exercises, according to an official statement from the Defense Ministry of Kyrgyzstan.

The report said that the opening ceremony of the joint tactical-special exercise, "Erdik" (Courage), with the participation of special forces units of the armed forces of both countries, took place on Thursday in the town of Balykchy in northern Kyrgyzstan.

The purpose is to create a joint-response plan against terrorist threats in the border areas and assess the capabilities of the units involved in combat missions.

More than 150 servicemen and about 30 units of special and aviation equipment were involved in the exercise, which runs until Aug. 23. ■