Man dies and several people are wounded in clashes between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan

Inside Kyrgyzstan there are two Tajik and four Uzbek enclaves. Land, water, illegal border crossings and inter-ethnic rivalries have sparked conflict. In addition, members of terrorist groups linked to the Islamic State have also moved into the region.

Moscow (AsiaNews) – Armed clashes broke out on the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, resulting in one death and at least five wounded, the Tajik service of RFE-RL has reported. Kyrgyz border guards later confirmed the incident.

According to official sources, residents of the Tajik village of Vorukh and the Kyrgyz village of Ak-Sai clashed after the former raised their national flag on disputed territory, provoking the reaction of their Kyrgyz neighbours.

It is not clear how it started, but it appears that stones were thrown first, followed by gunfire that left one man dead, a 52-year-old teacher from a Vorukh school, Jaloliddin Karoev, and several wounded, including a policeman.

Vorukh is one of two Tajik enclaves inside Kyrgyzstan, and it is separated from Ak-Sai by a river. There are also four Uzbek enclaves.

The Tajik-Kyrgyz border runs almost a thousand kilometres, of which just over half is marked. The uncertain demarcation is often the cause of friction between residents of neighbouring areas.

Conflicts have developed over land, water, illegal border crossings and inter-ethnic rivalries. In addition, members of terrorist groups linked to the Islamic State group have sought refuge in the region after its defeats in Syria and Iraq.

• central asia
• tajikistan
• kyrgyzstan
• clashes
• resource competition
• enclaves
• tensions
• islamic state