Kyrgyz Republic
Problem statement
Kyrgyz Republic is suspected to be contaminated with mines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW), although the precise location and extent of residual threat is not known. According to information available, contamination exists in Batken province bordering Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as a result of the conflict between 1999 and 2000. There was also an increase of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incidences in recent years, particularly in Batken and Osh provinces.
Kyrgyz Republic suffers also from a substantial amount of obsolete ammunition left behind after collapse of the Soviet Union. These stockpiles are not always properly stored, managed and secured what directly endangers people`s lives as well as present a serious threat for proliferation of illegal activities within Kyrgyz Republic and across borders.
What we do
Capacity Building
Since the first Protocol on Cooperation was signed with State Defence Committee in 2013, ITF supports enhancement of national capacities related to both intervention areas described above through implementation of specialized trainings and procurement of equipment. Kyrgyz Republic also actively participates in regional events organized by ITF to address common concerns and challenges stemming from explosive hazards in Central Asia.
Physical Security and Stockpile Management
Currently ITF supports renovation and upgrade of two engineering ammunition storage facilities in Koy Tash and one in Osh, which was equipped with video surveillance system as well. Additionally ITF will reconstruct a roof on a storage facility, where energetic materials extracted during disposal activities are temporarily stored before being furtherly processed.
Destruction of Surplus Weapons and Ammunition
In May 2016, ITF initiated disposal of artillery ammunition surpluses with expired shelf life in Osh, Kyrgyz Republic using reverse engineering / disassembling method. While activities are still ongoing, around 2.700 artillery ammunition items are destroyed on average per operational month. In addition to continuous disposal of obsolete artillery ammunition, ITF has destroyed all 2.773 earmarked antipersonnel landmines as well as 152 other engineering ammunition items.
For more information on ITF’s past activities in Kyrgyz Republic, we welcome you to consult our Annual Reports, while for the plans in the forthcoming year please consider our Portfolio of Projects.