TASHKENT (Realist English). On July 17, 2026, an unscheduled change took place in the leadership of Uzbekistan’s presidential guard. Alisher Usmanov, who had served as chairman of the State Security Service of the President (GSSP) since December 2020, was dismissed from his post.
That same evening, the information was confirmed by several Uzbek media outlets, including Kun.uz and Daryo, citing their own sources.
At the time of publication, no official confirmation had been received from the administration of the President of Uzbekistan. Some outlets initially reported that Usmanov had been “relieved of his duties,” but later the wording was revised to the harsher term — “fired” (“ishdan haydaldi”).
Career of the Dismissed GSSP Chief
Usmanov had headed the GSSP for nearly six years, since December 2020. Prior to that, he served as deputy chairman of the State Security Service. In 2007, he was awarded the Order “Shon-sharaf” (Glory and Honour) II degree.
New Head: Rustam Dzhuraev
Following the reports of Usmanov’s dismissal, the appointment of a new head was announced. By a decree of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Rustam Dzhuraev was appointed chairman of the State Security Service of the President. He was awarded the special rank of Lieutenant General.
Dzhuraev is an experienced security official. Before his new appointment, he served as First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and head of the Department of Public Security at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. His career in law enforcement began in 1989.
He has previously held a number of senior posts: in 2017–2018 he headed the Ministry of Emergency Situations, in 2018–2020 he was Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and head of the Tashkent City Police Department, and from March 2020 he commanded the National Guard.
Reasons and Context
The official reasons for the personnel decision have not been disclosed. However, the change of the presidential guard chief comes amid a series of personnel reshuffles in Uzbekistan’s security and law enforcement apparatus.
In recent months, President Mirziyoyev has repeatedly carried out rotations in law enforcement and oversight bodies — dismissing both senior officials and entire groups of regional leaders.
The appointment of Rustam Dzhuraev, who has extensive experience both in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and in commanding the National Guard, may reflect a desire to strengthen control over presidential security by unifying the approaches of various security agencies.
