DUSHANBE, August 3, Asia-Plus — On Thursday August 2, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe concluded a six week training course where American instructors and Tajik professionals from the Ministry of Interior’s Militia Detachment for Special Purposes (OMON) exchanged information and techniques on how to respond to emergency tactical situations.
This training program provided participants with the capability and equipment to safely conduct high-risk arrests, tactically clear buildings, and respond to other crisis situations. The U.S. Embassy”s Regional Security Office, through its Anti-Terrorism Assistance program, provided special protective equipment to the Ministry in connection with this training valued at $1.3 million.
The U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan, Tracey Ann Jacobson, and the Minister of Interior, Lieutenant-General Mahmadnazar Solehov spoke at the graduation ceremony for the officials who participated in this training.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the Antiterrorism Assistance Program, administered by the Embassy’s Regional Security Office, conducted previous training with the Ministry of Interior’s Militia Detachment for Special Purposes (OMON) including a six-week Hostage Negotiation course in 2005 and a course to train Bomb Technicians in 2006.
The Antiterrorism Assistance Program was established in 1983 and is part of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in the U.S. Department of State. It is an essential U.S. Government mechanism for the provision of training, equipment, and technology to partner governments actively engaged in the Global War on Terrorism.
