DUSHANBE, March 20, 2012, Asia-Plus — The Office of Defense Cooperation of the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe on March 16 donated more than US$115,000 worth of individual equipment consisting of personal protective gear, cold weather clothing and tactical gear to the special operation units of Tajikistan’s Border Guard, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said.
This equipment will be used by more than 40 Border Guard’s Mobile Special Operation Group personnel who have been trained in Tajikistan by Americans on Counter Narcotics techniques. The equipment will enhance the capability of the Tajik Border Guards.
At the event, Charge d’Affaires, a.i., Sarah Penhune commented that “The United States government works closely with the Border Guards and other Tajik Agencies to help improve border security and interdict narcotics. We share a common goal of securing Tajikistan’s borders against drug traffickers and extremist elements.
She also stated that the equipment will significantly improve the Government of Tajikistan’s efforts to engage violent extremist elements. This donation is one of the many assistance projects the U.S. Embassy has provided Tajikistan’s armed forces.
