In the context of the approval of the National Security Strategy, which outlines an integrated and anticipatory approach to terrorist dangers and threats, a team of instructors from the special forces of U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy is delivering a six-day practical counter-terrorism training to the special intervention troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the State Protection and Security Service (SPPS), and the Ministry of Justice (MJ) as part of the strategic cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau.
The training area was visited today by Minister of Internal Affairs Adrian Efros, U.S. Ambassador to Chisinau Kent D. Logsdon, and Police Chief Viorel Cernăuțeanu.
“Integrated exercises and training play a key role in implementing common approaches in the fight against terrorism. These training sessions are an opportunity for partners to share their own experiences, fostering a shared understanding of the evolving security landscape. Through joint exercises, we can simulate real-world scenarios, identify vulnerabilities, and refine our response strategies. The lessons learned from these exercises are valuable as they allow us to adapt and improve our collective security structure”, stated Minister of Internal Affairs Adrian Efros during the visit.
U.S. Ambassador to Chisinau Kent D. Logsdon mentioned that “These opportunities serve as an example of our ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Moldova, as we work together to train, equip, and develop the capacity of law enforcement entities”.
Fighters from the Special Destination Brigade Fulger of the General Police Inspectorate, Special Destination Battalion Scorpion of the General Inspectorate of Carabineers, Special Destination Detachment Pantera of the Ministry of Justice and from the intervention troops of SPPS are being trained in:
- providing first aid in a terrorist risk environment;
- using weapons in terrorist threat scenarios;
- counter-terrorism interventions in closed spaces;
- target shooting on moving and stationary targets.
The purpose of the training is to enhance the integrated, interinstitutional approach to counter-terrorism intervention by all special troops with counter-terrorism responsibilities.
U.S. assistance in preparing and training Moldova’s counter-terrorism intervention troops aligns with the international plan for the exchange of experience and best practices in integrated training for anticipating and responding to terrorist attacks worldwide.
The training sessions are taking place in Chisinau on January 20 and 21, with activities extending to other locations over the following two days.
