OSCE Centre in Bishkek

An OSCE-supported anti-terrorism military exercise to simulate how Kyrgyzstan’s government would respond to a possible cross-border incursion and hostage situation took place in the country’s Chon-Alay district, Osh province on 19 July 2013.

A Special Forces brigade from Osh named “Ilbirs” (Snow Leopards), operating under  Kyrgyzstan’s Defence Ministry , participated in the exercise,  which focused on the search, disclosure, and elimination of a simulated illegal paramilitary squad infiltrating a high altitude border area of southern Kyrgyzstan.

During the exercise, participants learned how to negotiate the release of hostages, ensure that operations are carried out consistently, and maintain effective internal co-operation among Kyrgyzstan’s law enforcement agencies.

The exercise was supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek as part of an on-going anti-terrorism project. The project is designed to boost the capacity of Kyrgyzstan’s anti-terrorism agencies by strengthening their operational readiness.