Kyrgyz-Tajik border conflict death toll rises to 71

Published September 18, 2022
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov shakes hands with Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, September 16. — Reuters
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov shakes hands with Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, September 16. — Reuters

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan said on Sunday the death toll from their border conflict had risen to 71 people, as a fragile ceasefire held between two Central Asian nations for a second day.

The former Soviet republics clashed over a border dispute on September 14-16, accusing each other of using tanks, mortars, rocket artillery and assault drones to attack outposts and nearby settlements.

Central Asian border issues primarily stem from the Soviet era when Moscow tried to divide the region between groups whose settlements were often located amidst those of other ethnicities.

Kyrgyzstan on Sunday reported 36 deaths from the earlier fighting and has also said it evacuated about 137,000 people from the conflict area.

Tajikistan also reported its casualties on Sunday, saying 35 people were killed. It has not reported any mass evacuations from the area.

The two sides agreed to a ceasefire on Friday which has largely held up despite several alleged shelling incidents.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...