Tajikistan: Clashes on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan border wound five May 8

Event

At least five people were wounded in clashes on Friday, May 8, between residents of Chek district (Batken province, Kyrgyzstan) and Isfara district (Sughd province, Tajikistan) in the contested border region, sometimes referred to as Fergana Valley. Reports indicate that two Tajik civilians were injured after shots were fired from the Kyrgyz side. Tajik border guards then retaliated with mortar fire, injuring three Kyrgyz border guards and a civilian.

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.