DUSHANBE, 19.05.2022 (NIAT Khovar) – On May 17-18, 2022, members of an organized criminal group of Rushon district consisting of 200 people blocked the Dushanbe-Khorog-Kulma international highway at three points and restricted the movement of all types of vehicles, reports the Press Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The report reads:

«They are led and sponsored by wanted members of the extremist terrorist organization Alim Sherzamonov and his accomplices Kholbash Kholbashev and Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva with the aim of violating state security, undermining the foundations of constitutional order, hindering the activities of law enforcement agencies, and intimidating the population armed with weapons and ammunition.

The second group, led by the leaders of the organized criminal and terrorist group Yodgor Ghulomhaidarov, Kulmahmad Palaev and Pahlavon Sheraliev, organized six battle positions in the Vamardara area, located at an altitude of 350-400 meters from the center of Rushon district.

Members of organized criminal groups from these battle positions attacked the building of the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, law enforcement posts, administrative buildings of government agencies, and the main highway. They were also tasked with carrying out an armed attack on a convoy of military vehicles using RPG 7B grenades, Kalashnikov machine guns, Kalashnikov assault rifles and grenades.

On May 18, armed terrorist groups used weapons and explosives to attack a convoy of vehicles of a special anti-terrorist unit of the State Committee for National Security of Tajikistan, killing one officer and seriously injuring 13 servicemen.

Preliminary investigations and official evidence obtained prove that criminal groups previously received full combat readiness for a terrorist act, and were led and provided with weapons from abroad.

Over the past six months, members of organized criminal and terrorist groups in Rushon have been involved in lawlessness, disturbing public order, and intimidating civilians. They set up illegal checkpoints and insulted public and private vehicles and their passengers.

Despite official warnings and appeals from government and law enforcement officials to stop any abuses, on May 16-17 they insulted the Chairman of Rushon district Farrukh Dodikhudo and severely beat his deputies Gulmad Dustalizoda, Laylo Chorshanbezoda, and the head of the district’s Labor and Employment Department Mahmadnabi Mahmadnabiev.

On May 18 in order to completely prevent the horrific acts of terrorists, ensure security of citizens, stability, the rule of law and public order, and restore unimpeded movement of vehicles on the Dushanbe-Khorug-Kulma international highway, the law enforcement agencies began an anti-terrorist operation.

As a result, 8 militants were killed, 11 were wounded, 114 members of the terrorist group were detained, and 8 people are currently wanted. Twenty-four Kalashnikov assault rifles, 5 machine guns, 18 pistols of various brands, 4 TOZ-18 rifles, 11 F-1 hand grenades, 86 Molotov Cocktails, 3 kilograms of TNT, 15 radio sets, and 53 telephones were confiscated from them.

No civilian was injured during the anti-terrorist operation.

The situation in Rushon district has currently stabilized and offices, institutions, structures of education and health, as well as public transport have resumed their normal activity.

In connection with this incident, the investigative team of the Regional Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a criminal case, the outcome of which will be further reported.

All other members of organized criminal groups in Rushon and Khorug are strongly required to comply with the law and to hand over illegal weapons to law enforcement agencies. Officially wanted criminals still have an opportunity to voluntarily appear before the investigating authorities.”