The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan strengthened national capacities in humanitarian mine action through a Basic Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) course held from 15 to 27 June 2026 in Khujand, Sughd Region.
The course, delivered by the Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre (REHTC) of the Ministry of Defence, demonstrated the Ministry's continued commitment to developing sustainable national EOD capabilities while reinforcing the REHTC's role as Tajikistan's centre of excellence for EOD training.
The initiative was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe through its Integrated Co-operation on Explosive Hazards (ICExH) programme, which provided technical expertise and logistical support for the delivery of the training.
The course brought together 13 participants from across Tajikistan's security sector, including three representatives of the Ministry of Defence, six from the Border Troops, one from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, one from the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence, and two from the National Guard of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Under the guidance of certified REHTC instructors, participants developed the knowledge and practical skills required to safely identify, assess and dispose of explosive ordnance in accordance with internationally recognized standards and procedures.
The training programme was based on international and national mine action standards, including the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and the Tajikistan National Mine Action Standards (TNMAS), ensuring that participants were trained in accordance with internationally recognized best practices.
Combining classroom instruction with practical field exercises, the course equipped participants with competencies in hazardous area reconnaissance, explosive ordnance search and detection, the operation of specialist detection equipment, the calculation and placement of demolition charges, and the in-situ destruction of single items of explosive ordnance using both linear and ring- main demolition methods.
By delivering the course through its own Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre, the Ministry of Defence strengthened national ownership of EOD training and helped ensure the long-term sustainability of specialist expertise within Tajikistan's security institutions. With OSCE support, the initiative contributed to the implementation of International Mine Action Standards, promoted internationally recognized training and assessment practices, and further enhanced Tajikistan's capacity to reduce explosive hazards, improve public safety and strengthen border security.
