DUSHANBE, 31.07.2021 (NIAT Khovar) – Yesterday as part of cooperation between the governments of Tajikistan and the United States of America a border outpost of the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security was put into operation in the Shahritus district.

The handover ceremony was attended by the US Chargé d’Affaires John Ginkel and Deputy Commander of Border Troops Colonel Rajab Saodatzoda.

The border outpost, which was renovated for $570,000, provides the Border Troops with increased capacity to monitor and patrol the border with Afghanistan in the Shahritus district.

The facility will significantly increase the ability to monitor and interdict illegal border crossings across approximately a 15–20-kilometer range and counter transnational threats including narco-trafficking, smuggling, and violent extremism.

US remains committed to partnering with Tajikistan in support its sovereignty, security, and its role in supporting long-term peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.

Since 2007, the US Office of Military Cooperation’s Counter-Narcotics Program has provided over $155 million in assistance to Tajikistan, including for renovating and building multiple border outposts.

In the past 30 years it has provided more than $1.8 billion in development and assistance through programs that support Tajikistan’s private sector, agriculture, health, education, democratic institutions, and security.