Kyrgyzstan strengthens borders with Tajikistan

To strengthen the border with Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan has purchased Bayraktar drones from Turkey, 40 armored vehicles from the UAE, 55 Tiger armored vehicles and 50 KamAZ trucks from Russia.

Photo: Internet

The head of the State National Security Committee of Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Tashiev, informed the media that exercises involving Bayraktar drones will take place in the next three to four days.

Tashiev noted that equipment, ammunition, and weapons are being purchased to strengthen the combat capabilities of military personnel and law enforcement agencies. He mentioned that about 2 billion soms (over $20 million) have been allocated from the state budget for these purposes.

“In particular, we purchased 55 special armored vehicles ‘Tiger’ in Arzamas. These vehicles are specially produced for our country. Additionally, we bought 50 KamAZ trucks, specifically manufactured for our Border Service. All this equipment has been purchased with the country’s budget; we are not asking anyone for help to buy any equipment or weapons. Furthermore, we are purchasing weapons and ammunition to ensure the country’s security,” Tashiev said.

The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, stated in his speech that previously Kyrgyzstan received old equipment as grant aid from abroad, but from now on, the state will purchase modern equipment using its own funds.

“I must officially say that all of the above is being purchased with state budget funds, that is, with our own resources. Last year, 7.5 billion soms were allocated from the budget for these purposes, and this year we are allocating about 3 billion soms to strengthen border security,” he said.

Earlier, the press service of the President of Kyrgyzstan reported that Turkish strike drones Bayraktar have been put into service with the Border Service of the State National Security Committee of the country.

Kyrgyzstan is strengthening its border service with modern equipment against the backdrop of ongoing armed clashes on the border with Tajikistan. Over the past year, 58 people have died and 270 have been injured on both sides.

Social media users are questioning whether the authorities of Tajikistan intend to strengthen the country’s borders and increase military power while Kyrgyzstan is purchasing military equipment, and why the authorities are not commenting on the actions of the neighboring country.