DUSHANBE, December 15, 2015, Asia-Plus -- Tajikistan is reportedly continuing to strengthen its common border with Afghanistan, according to the Border Guard Directorate at the State Committee for National Security (SCNS).

“Ceremonies of opening of new barracks for soldiers and officers have taken place in the border units of Hamadoni and Shouroobod in Khatlon province,” said Mohammad Ulughkhojyaev, as spokesman for the Border Guard Directorate.  “Besides, facilities of the newly formed frontier posts of Kokul and Temourmalik along the Tajik-Afghan border in Khatlon have been officially opened.”

According to him, the ceremonies were attended by the SCNS chief, Lieutenant-General Saymumin Yatimov.  Yatimov reportedly called on soldiers and officers to devotedly serve the Homeland and defend its security.

Construction of all the new facilities has reportedly been financed by the government.

A total length of Tajikistan’s common border with Afghanistan is more than 1,400 kilometers.  In May this year, Tajikistan created the second line of defense along its common border with Afghanistan following aggravation of the situation in the border areas of the neighboring country.   

We will recall that during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Putin in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said on October 6 that Tajikistan is “extremely concerned” about the situation along the Tajik-Afghan border.  Rahmon reportedly said the situation in Afghanistan was “getting worse by the day.”  “Practically, fighting is going on along more than 60 percent of the Tajik border with Afghanistan,” he added.