WASHINGTON: The United States has announced tighter controls on the export of firearms and ammunition to “high-risk” countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, as per a statement from the US Department of Commerce.
The regulation, issued by the department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, modifies measures governing the export of firearms, ammunition, and related components to non-governmental entities. It aims to enhance oversight and mitigate potential risks associated with the proliferation of US weapons.
Under the new rules, the validity of arms export licenses is reduced from four years to one year, reflecting the US government’s efforts to bolster oversight and accountability in arms transfers. The decision follows a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact on regional stability and security.
Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan are among the 36 countries identified as “high-risk” states subject to the tightened export restrictions. The move is designed to minimize the risk of exacerbating instability in regions where the use of US weapons could contribute to conflict or human rights abuses.
The revised regulations are slated to come into effect at the end of May, signaling the US government’s commitment to responsible arms transfer policies and efforts to prevent the misuse of exported firearms and ammunition.
