OSCE, Armed Forces Kyrgyz National Guards conducted Special Tactical Simulation Exercise in Kyrgyzstan

The OSCE Centre and the Special Forces of the Kyrgyz National Guard on 24 October 2014 completed the “Shamaldy-Say 2014” two-day special tactical simulation exercise at Uch- Kurgan hydro power station in Jalal-Abad province, Kyrgyzstan.  

The exercise was aimed at reinforcing the skills and knowledge of the Special Forces of the Kyrgyz National Guard, which they gained during a recent ten-day training course on protecting critical energy infrastructure from possible terrorist attacks.

The “Shamaldy-Say 2014” exercise was also designed to improve inter-agency co-ordination between special units of the Kyrgyz anti-terrorism agencies. It aims to raise the operational awareness of the Special Forces in maintaining security at the country’s strategic energy infrastructure and readiness to counteract possible terrorist attacks.

“The tactical exercise will help determine the areas where coherence between the law enforcement agencies, local authorities, government and the community, in the fight against terrorism, is of great importance,” said John MacGregor, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “It will contribute to the regional and national security of the Kyrgyz Republic as well as the stability and preservation of peace in the region as a whole.

The exercise was conducted as part of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek’s “Combatting Terrorism” project. The Centre will continue assisting government agencies in their efforts to deal effectively with the threats of terrorism.