OSCE supports simulation exercise of Kyrgyz special forces at the borders

The OSCE Centre in Bishkek supported the “Barrier–2014” simulation exercises in the Ala-Buka district of Jalal-Abad province on 17-18 September 2014, with the aim of testing the readiness of border guards and law enforcement agencies in protecting the country’s borders.

The simulation exercise was organized in co-operation with the State Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic and the South-western regional commander of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. It was was designed to develop the practical skills of the State Border Service special forces and armed forces in preparing for, and conducting operations to combat illegal armed formations, improving co-ordination between the involved agencies, developing instructions and manage military software.

During the simulation exercise, participants practiced their professional skills in searching, blocking and removing illegal armed groups. The simulation was based on real situations the participants would face if the border was attacked or penetrated.

“Strengthening co-operation between law enforcement agencies in ensuring an effective response to situations that threaten the peace, security and stability are a strategic priority as well as an important aspect of the OSCE’s work in combatting transnational threats,” said Ambassador Sergey Kapinos, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

Among those attending the event were Abdyrakhman Mamataliev, Kyrgyzstan’s deputy prime minister along with faction leaders and members of parliament, the leadership of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, representatives of the Kyrgyz State Border Service and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, and the Operational Border Group in Kyrgyzstan of the Federal Security Service of Russia.

“The conduct of the simulation exercises, during which law enforcement agencies will lead a special operation to eliminate illegal armed groups, will strengthen the skills of soldiers in border security and enhance the co-ordinated actions of special units,” said Mamataliev. 

The first stage of the event was held on 17 September 2014 in the office of the Kyrgyz State Border Service, and showcased border management practices at the Ala-Buka border post. A roundtable discussion and video conference was held on security issues, and this brought together local residents of Batken and Jalal-Abad provinces, members of the early warning groups, parliamentarians and representatives of governmental agencies. The OSCE donated the equipment used for the video conference to the Kyrgyz State Border Service.

In parallel a new manual on professional issues related to border management and security, which was drafted with support of consultants from the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, was presented at the event.

This event was organized as part of a project to assist the government in developing regional co-operation on border security and border management.