Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border Conflict

Logan Antio

Kyrgyz Border Guard Service/Handout via REUTERS

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Nearly 100 people have been reported dead by former Soviet nations, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, due to a conflict on the border with both sides clashing. Although the nations have agreed on a ceasefire deal as of September 16, both countries have still reported alleged conflict. Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has urged both nations to de-escalate the situation to maintain peaceful diplomatic means, according to a statement by the Kremlin.

Measures taken by Kyrgyzstan include the evacuation of about 137,000 people from the area, but Tajikstan has not reported imposing any mass evacuations. 59 of the total 94 deaths reported came from Kyrgyzstan, and 35 came from Tajikstan. Due to these clashes, 198 Kyrgyzstanis have been wounded, according to the Ministry of Health.

These attacks have caused notable damage to civilian infrastructures such as airports and bridges. Many people have been displaced from their homes and are only recently starting to return. As of now, both sides have agreed to continue the resolution of their conflicts with each other. This is not the first time these nations have had disputes over border incidents; as Deputy Foreign Minister, Sadik Emomi, stated that, in the past 20 years, there have been over 230 border conflicts.