2009 Country Reports on Terrorism - Kyrgyzstan
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Publication Date | 5 August 2010 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, 2009 Country Reports on Terrorism - Kyrgyzstan, 5 August 2010, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4c63b63ab.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
In 2009, the Government of Kyrgyzstan took political and law enforcement steps to disrupt and deter terrorism. Since 2001, Kyrgyzstan has actively supported U.S. counterterrorism efforts and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
The Government of Kyrgyzstan, with the financial support from the U.S. and other international organizations, continued efforts to improve border security throughout the country and particularly in the southern Batken region. These efforts included the construction of more modern border facilities, a program to create central communications between the dispersed border checkpoints and government agencies, the installation of radiation detection equipment at select crossings, and the establishment of a tracking system to monitor the transport of certain dual-use equipment throughout the country.
Kyrgyzstan's military and internal forces worked to improve their counterterrorism capabilities and to expand cooperation with regional partners. Kyrgyzstan continued to be an active member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Cooperative Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). With U.S. assistance, the Kyrgyz armed forces continue to improve their facilities and tactical capabilities. U.S. financial support has resulted in the training of dozens of Kyrgyz military and law enforcement personnel, and the establishment of more modern defense installations.
Kyrgyzstan's under-regulated borders, especially in the Batken region, remain highly problematic. Kyrgyz law enforcement still lacks the equipment, personnel, and funding to effectively detect and deter terrorists or terrorist operations in the southern regions of the country. In 2009, however, Kyrgyz law enforcement agencies conducted multiple raids in southern Kyrgyzstan against terrorist groups.
Supporters of the terrorist groups Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) are believed to maintain a presence in Kyrgyzstan. Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT), an extremist group banned in Kyrgyzstan, remained active, especially in the south. In addition to law enforcement initiatives, the government, in particular the State Agency for Religious Affairs, was actively conducting outreach efforts to diminish support for extremist groups and reverse the growing trend toward religious extremism.
