Kyrgyzstan limits border guards to light weapons, ends heavy arsenal

Kyrgyzstan is changing the regulations regarding the use of weapons at its borders, the Chairman of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), Kamchybek Tashiev, announced on November 11.

As reported by Caliber.Az, referring to Kyrgyz media, Tashiev made the statement during a ceremony at the Kara-Myk border outpost in Chon-Alai district, Osh region, where new service apartments were being handed over to border guards.

He emphasised that Kyrgyzstan has completed the demarcation of its borders with all neighbouring countries and expressed hope that future border conflicts can be avoided.

“From now on, the heavy weapons and heavy equipment that you currently have will no longer be used. We are removing them in coordination with our neighbours. You will only retain light weapons,” Tashiev said, addressing the border guards.

Kyrgyzstan shares borders with four countries: Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The borders with China and Kazakhstan have already been fully demarcated, while the process with the other neighbours is complete as well, according to Tashiev.

By Tamilla Hasanova