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The first-ever Tajik-led explosive ordnance disposal course kicks off at OSCE-supported Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre

An intensive three-week Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 1 course commenced on 16 September 2024 at the Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre (REHTC) of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense. This program is equipping nineteen dedicated mine action professionals, including sixteen men and three women, from across Central Asia with the fundamental skills and knowledge to safely navigate the complex world of explosive ordnance.

Participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are undergoing rigorous training that seamlessly blends theoretical instructions with practical simulations and hands-on exercises. Their ultimate goal is to become proficient in identifying, handling, and disposing of explosive ordnance, thereby ensuring the safety of their communities and contributing to regional stability.

The opening ceremony was a testament to the international co-operation surrounding this vital initiative. Representatives from the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense, the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, and the United States Army Central (USARCENT) were in attendance.

Carrie Lee, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, emphasized the transformative power of collaboration in fostering peace and enhancing regional security. “By working together,” she stated, “we are creating a safer world for generations to come.”

Tatiana Turcan, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the program’s role in strengthening regional co-operation and capabilities. “This project empowers Central Asian nations to independently manage explosive hazards through sustainable and locally driven solutions,” she said.

The EOD Level 1 course aligns with the OSCE’s broader commitment to humanitarian mine action. By fostering collaboration and enhancing expertise, this initiative is making a tangible difference in addressing the risks and impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war in the region.

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