![US Ambassador John Mark Pommersheim (left) and Tajik Gen.-Maj. Hisrav Bobozoda October 5 in Dushanbe shake hands during the US handover of 20 jeeps to the Tajik Defence Ministry. [US Embassy in Tajikistan]](/cnmi_ca/images/2021/10/07/32038-tj1-739_416.webp)
DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan's borders will be tad safer thanks to a donation of 20 jeeps by the United States.
The US Embassy in Dushanbe on Tuesday (October 5) handed over 20 jeeps to the Tajik Defence Ministry.
The jeeps, valued at $1.4 million (15.8 million TJS), will help Tajik special forces conduct operations in rugged border terrain.
The donation comes less than two months after the Taliban seized power in neighbouring Afghanistan.
US Ambassador John Mark Pommersheim and Tajik Gen.-Maj. Hisrav Bobozoda participated in the handover ceremony.
"This donation is just one example of the assistance we provide to Tajikistan to secure its borders," Pommersheim said. "We remain partners in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and nuclear proliferation. We are stronger when we work together."
Since 1992, the United States has provided more than $330 million (3.7 billion TJS) in security sector assistance to Tajikistan. It donated an unspecified number of light-utility vehicles, valued at $575,000 (5.5 million TJS at the time), to the Tajik Defence Ministry in January 2020.
