Definition
The State Security Service (Uzbek: Davlat Xavfsizlik Xizmati, DXX; Russian: Служба государственной безопасности, СГБ) is the national civilian intelligence and security agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It is responsible for intelligence gathering, counter‑intelligence, counter‑terrorism, border security, and protection of senior state officials.
Overview
Formed on 14 March 2018, the agency succeeded the National Security Service (NSS) and traces its institutional origins to the Uzbek branch of the Soviet KGB, created on 26 September 1991. The Service operates under the authority of the President of Uzbekistan and oversees several subordinate bodies, including the Border Troops of the State Security Service and the Uzbekistan Customs Service. While officially a civilian intelligence organization, it has been described by human‑rights groups such as Amnesty International and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting as functioning as a secret police force.
Etymology / Origin
The Uzbek name “Davlat Xavfsizlik Xizmati” translates directly as “State Security Service.” The Russian designation “Служба государственной безопасности” (SGB) carries the same meaning. The agency’s current title reflects the 2018 rebranding from the former National Security Service, aligning it with the naming conventions of similar agencies in other post‑Soviet states.
Characteristics
- Mandate: Conducts domestic intelligence, counter‑intelligence, counter‑terrorism, cyber‑security, and protective services for the President and other high‑ranking officials. It also coordinates with other security organs on serious crimes, political activism, and information warfare.
- Structure: Headed by a chairman appointed by the president; as of 23 November 2024, the chairman is Bakhodir Kurbanov. The Service includes special‑operations units (e.g., “Alpha,” “Cobra,” “Scorpion”) and oversees border and customs agencies.
- Historical role: Played a central role in the government’s security apparatus during the presidency of Islam Karimov, including involvement in the 2005 Andijan massacre and extensive internet censorship.
- International perception: Frequently cited for alleged human‑rights violations, including torture and suppression of political dissent. It is also listed by some analysts as a powerful component of Uzbekistan’s security‑clan politics, notably the “Tashkent clan.”
- Recent developments: Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Service has seen a partial shift of authority toward the Uzbekistan National Guard, though it remains a key element of the state’s security architecture.
Related Topics
- National Security Service of Uzbekistan (pre‑2018 predecessor)
- Border Troops of the State Security Service (Uzbekistan)
- Uzbekistan National Guard
- Ministry of Internal Affairs (Uzbekistan)
- Human rights situation in Uzbekistan
- Internet censorship in Uzbekistan
- Andijan massacre (2005)
All information is drawn from publicly available encyclopedic sources, principally the English‑language Wikipedia article on the State Security Service (Uzbekistan).