Timothy Leeds, the Director of the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATA) in the Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State, along with program manager James Doherty, paid a visit to Albania. The purpose of the visit was to engage with officials from the U.S. Embassy and the Albanian State Police, according to an announcement made by the U.S. Embassy in Tirana.

For several years, beginning in 2016, the Assistance Program within the Diplomatic Security Service, operating through the Embassy’s Regional Security Office, has been actively involved in donating equipment worth millions of dollars and conducting numerous training sessions for the Albanian State Police. The goal of these efforts has been to enhance the police force’s capabilities in areas such as counterterrorism, cybercrime, and digital forensic medicine.

Joined by the newly appointed Regional Security Officer at the Embassy, Kathryn Hammond, Leeds and Doherty held discussions with Muhamet Rrumbullaku, the Director of the Albanian State Police. Their talks centered on exploring ways in which the ATA can continue its support for law enforcement endeavors in Albania.

The U.S. representatives also made an additional contribution of equipment to further bolster the resources of the Albanian State Police.

Throughout their visit, ATA officials also had a meeting with Alban Dautaj, the Director of Counterterrorism. This session included a tour of their facilities and a dialogue on how the past training courses have yielded benefits in counterterrorism operations within Albania.

The visit underscored the robust collaboration that exists between the Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy and the Albanian State Police.