Some 20 terrorists detained in SCO joint operation in Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK. Nov 3 (Interfax) - Almost 20 persons involved in terrorist activity were detained and a large amount of firearms and ammunition was confiscated in Kyrgyzstan during the Unity-2016 joint operation of the border guard and special services of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries.
"The joint operation of the SCO member states was conducted from September 25 to November 1. The security services and law enforcement agencies of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Russia and China took part in it," the press service of the Kyrgyz State Border Guard Service told Interfax on Thursday.
The Border Guard Service of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee was appointed to coordinate the joint operation and collect data on its results.
"Twenty-three trespassers of the state border and border regime offenders, 14 illegal migrants, 19 citizens involved in terrorist and extremist activity, as well as 71 criminals on the wanted list were detained on the territory of Kyrgyzstan alone," the press service said.
"Thirteen firearms, 31 units of ammunition and more than 139 kilograms of drugs were seized during the operation. A total of 317 instances of banned literature confiscation were recorded," it said.
"During the Unity-2016 joint operation, which was carried out in four stages, its participants were constantly collecting and exchanging up-to-the-minute information about the measures taken and the results of their service and combat activities. Reconnaissance and search measures were taken and provisional border posts were set up. In addition to that, border controls were increased at crossing points at the Kyrgyzstan state border," the press service said.
Kyrgyz State Border Guard Service chief Abdikarim Alimbayev said, for his part, that the tasks set by the Kyrgyz side in the course of the operation had been accomplished successfully.
"The goal of the joint operation was achieved," he said.
"Conducting joint border operations gives the SCO member countries' border guard agencies invaluable experience in effective interaction and helps them perfect the know-how and skills of their personnel, as well as raise the level and quality of protection of their shared borders," Alimbayev said.
