On Tuesday October 5, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, provided 20 jeeps to Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense to help Tajikistan secure its borders.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the vehicles, which are valued at $1.4 million, will enable the special forces under Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense to conduct operations in the uneven terrain of the border regions.
U.S. Ambassador John Mark Pommersheim, and Major-General Khisrav Bobozoda, Deputy Minister for Logistics of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense, participated in a handover ceremony for the light-utility vehicles.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Pommersheim noted that, “This donation is just one example of the assistance we provide to Tajikistan to secure its borders. We are grateful for Tajikistan’s close cooperation in the field of border security and are proud of our joint achievements. We remain partners in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, and nuclear proliferation. We are stronger when we work together.”
Since 1992, the United States has provided over $330 million in security sector assistance to Tajikistan. This assistance includes training, equipment and infrastructure. As part of this assistance, we have previously provided 358 vehicles to the Tajik military, valued at $10.5 million. We have also trained over 10,000 soldiers and law enforcement personnel on effective tactics for responding to terrorist threats, combatting drug trafficking, and carrying out special operations. Previously, the U.S. Government supported renovation and construction of the Training Center for the Ministry of Defense Peacekeeping Battalion at Shamsi Base, and built the field training area Magob for the Mobile Forces of the Ministry of Defense, at a cost of $1.5 million.
The United States has partnered with Tajikistan for 30 years and has provided $1.8 billion in development and security assistance through programs that support Tajikistan’s security, economic development, health, civil society, and education.
