Uzbekistan getting hundreds of U.S. military vehicles
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 January 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Uzbekistan getting hundreds of U.S. military vehicles, 23 January 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54e1a40b6.html [accessed 17 September 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. |
January 23, 2015
The United States says it is giving 328 advanced military vehicles to Uzbekistan to be used for counterterrorism and counternarcotics operations.
Daniel Rosenblum, a U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for Central Asia, told VOA on January 22 that the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) are used vehicles that are surplus to the U.S. Army.
He added that the vehicles – which he said are "inherently defensive" and nonlethal – are being given to Uzbekistan's Defense Ministry.
Rosenblum said the request from Uzbekistan for the vehicles was judged to be legitimate as the vehicles are used only for protective purposes and are ideal for counterterrorism and counternarcotics efforts.
He said delivery of the vehicles began in early December and will continue for several months.
Rosenblum said both Tajikistan and Kazakhstan have also expressed interest in obtaining excess equipment from the U.S. military and those requests are being evaluated.
Based on reporting by VOA
Link to original story on RFE/RL website