Kyrgyzstan: Uzbek with Alleged Terror Links Arrested

Kyrgyz authorities have taken into custody an Uzbek citizen with alleged links to international terror organizations.

The unnamed suspect was detained in Uzgen, near Osh, on July 12 for "aiding and abetting international terrorists" the National Security Committee said in a statement distributed July 15. Authorities are withholding the suspect's identity in the "interests of the investigation," the statement added.

Kyrgyzstan's southern provinces -- Jalal-abad, Osh and Batken -- have come under increased scrutiny since violent episodes in May in neighboring Uzbekistan. Nine militants were killed in Jalal-abad during clashes with Kyrgyz forces in June. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. The men were allegedly part of a ring trying to establish safe houses in the area.