Warden Message
Warden Message - February 2, 2008
On Saturday, February 2, the Commander of OMON, Colonel Oleg Zakharchenko, was killed in Garm in the Rasht Valley. Local media have been reporting on the situation. Until further information is available, the U.S. Embassy consular section recommends that American citizens avoid the Garm and the Rasht Valley to allow law enforcement authorities to conduct their investigation.
The consular section would also remind citizens traveling or residing in Tajikistan that U.S. Embassy personnel in Central Asia continue to observe heightened security precautions at work, as well as in public places, such as markets and bazaars. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. As security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers seek softer targets. These targets may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate and visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts, beaches, maritime facilities, airports, and aircraft.