On 2 October 2026, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Tajikistan, organized a three-week Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 1 course at the Regional Explosive Hazard Training Centre (REHTC) of Tajikistan's Ministry of Defence in Chorgulteppa, Rudaki District.
The course, conducted in compliance with the International Mine Action Standards, enhanced the professional skills and knowledge of specialists from the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, security services and humanitarian mine action organizations across Central Asia involved in EOD and humanitarian mine action,
A total of 18 specialists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan improved knowledge on explosive ordnance, safety measures, EOD equipment and protective gear. Participants also learned about reconnaissance, initiation methods and the safe transportation, storage and disposal of explosive ordnance.
A participant demonstrates techniques for the controlled destruction of explosive ordnance, Chorgulteppa, Rudaki District, 1 October 2026.
In addition to technical EOD training, participants exchanged experience and good practices, discussed practical approaches to EOD operations and established new professional contacts.
Colonel Tohir Holmakhmadzoda, Head of the REHTC of Tajikistan's Ministry of Defence, emphasized:
"By clearing explosive ordnance, you are not simply making the land safer; you are paving the way for life, security and a peaceful future."
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Major General Asozoda Abdulmumin, Director of the State Institution "National Mine Action Centre of Tajikistan", noted:
"The knowledge and skills you have acquired today will strengthen your professional capabilities. They will also contribute to humanitarian mine action and, most importantly, to saving human lives."
Abdugani Vahobov, National Training Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, said in his concluding remarks:
"Today, we are completing this course, but we are not completing our shared mission. The knowledge you have gained will strengthen your professionalism, our co-operation will build trust, and our joint efforts will contribute to enhancing security in Central Asia."
Participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan receive certificates upon completion of the Regional EOD Level 1 course in Chorgulteppa, Rudaki District, 2 October 2026.
The OSCE remains committed to strengthening regional co-operation and supporting national capacities to address the risks posed by explosive ordnance across Central Asia.
