Tajikistan: Clashes in Fergana Valley on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan border wound one May 27 /update 1

Event

At least one person was wounded in clashes on Wednesday, May 27, after shots were fired in the contested area between Kyrgyzstan's Batken region and Tajikistan's Sughd province, sometimes referred to as Fergana Valley. Kyrgyz media outlets have denied any clashes or injuries occurred; however, Tajik spokespeople reported that Kyrgyz farmers entered into Tajik territory, prompting Kyrgyz authorities to dispatch additional border guards and engaged in fighting with the farmers and Tajik border guards, subsequently injuring one guard.

On Sunday, May 24, Tajik authorities said a Tajik civilian suffered a gunshot wound after border guards of the two countries exchanged fire in the same area.

Further clashes are possible in the region over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The Fergana Valley is home to several ethnic groups. Disputes over shared use of resources, such as irrigation water from rivers running through the area, have led to regular outbreaks of violence in the region since the fall of the USSR.

Advice

Individuals in the Fergana Valley should monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions by local authorities and their home government.