DUSHANBE, April 27, 2009, Asia-Plus — Asia-Plus’ reporter has attended a joint anti-terrorist drill conducted in Dushanbe for members of Tajik OMON and the US Embassy’s Regional Security Office.
On Sunday April 26, members of the Tajik Ministry of Interior’s OMON (Militia Detachment for Special Purposes) participated in a joint drill with the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Office, responding to a simulated “terrorist attack.”
The “terrorist” or opposition force was portrayed by United States Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC), who came to Tajikistan to conduct training with OMON.
Tactical assault specialists from OMON repelled the attack in close coordination with the Embassy’s security team, and OMON’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal team was called in to diffuse simulated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that the terrorist role players had left on the Embassy compound. OMON and the opposition force used “simunitions” that shoot paint, as well as non-lethal explosive devices that detonate with loud noise and release smoke. The simunitions provided a realistic scenario, while keeping the participants safe from injury.
From the Embassy, Special Agents from the Diplomatic Security Service, local guards, and Marine Security Guards coordinated the defense of the Embassy itself, with many Embassy colleagues coming in on their day off to help role play – giving the exercise a realistic feel.
In all, over 300 police, Marines, and security professionals participated in the exercise, which has become an annual event at the Embassy. After each drill, all sides assessed results and decided what to improve. Both sides consider the drills an effective method of preparing law enforcement to respond to real threats Ms. Jacqueline McKennan, Public Affairs Officer, the US Embassy in Dushanbe said. The Marine Instructors praised OMON’s performance, and look forward to ongoing training together.
Ms. Jacqueline McKennan noted the Regional Security Office was grateful to the Ministry of Interior, OMON, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who provide the opportunity for American and Tajik law enforcement and security professionals to learn from each other.
