Major General: effective use of Belarus’ Interior Ministry special forces to be perfected in 2024

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Interior Ministry’s Board, Major General Nikolai Karpenkov, Belarus’ Deputy Interior Minister and Commander of the Internal Troops, noted that capacity building continued in 2023, making it possible to effectively fulfil the tasks assigned within the national security system, the Interior Ministry reports in its Telegram channel

Photo by Belarus’ Interior Ministry

As stated by Mr. Karpenkov, reliable protection of correctional colonies, convoying of convicts and persons in custody was ensured. “To improve the quality of convoy tasks, unmanned aerial vehicles have been introduced into the colony security system. Law enforcement and public safety have always been a priority, and they remain such,” he added.

Over 7 thousand military personnel were involved to protect the state border: more than 40 violators were detained, and more than 300 illegal migrants were identified.

In addition, the Interior Minister's instruction on reliable protection of the approaches to the Belarusian nuclear power plant was implemented. Combat and mobilisation readiness measures were practiced, and volunteer units from among veterans of the country’s special forces were formed.

Ten special purpose detachments were created within the internal troops, and they are tasked to provide force support to operational personnel in the detention of dangerous criminals, as well as counter-terrorism actions and fight against illegal armed formations.

Combat and special training programmes underwent significant changes last year, so new and modern weapons and equipment are being mastered in the units, and the tactics of their use are being polished.

"We understand that the future of our country belongs to the youth, so we are expanding work with young people. The main result is that 63 out of seventy-five graduates of military-patriotic clubs were enrolled in law enforcement universities, and several girls began working at our military units. We plan to conscript young graduates of the military-patriotic clubs under a contract scheme, so that they do not need to undergo mandatory military service," the Major General explained.

Mr. Karpenkov added that all areas of activity are to be polished this year, and the effective use of the Interior Ministry’s special forces is to be perfected and ensured.