From: Justin Burke (JBurke@sorosny.org)
Date: Mon Aug 21 2000 - 10:29:10 EDT
ISLAMIC MILITANTS MAKE THIRD INCURSION INTO SOUTHERN
KYRGYZSTAN
A third detachment of Islamist militants entered
the Chon-Alai district of Osh Oblast in southern Kyrgyzstan
early on 20 August and exchanged fire with Kyrgyz government
troops, RFE/RL's Bishkek bureau reported. No fatalities were
reported on either side. It was the first incursion by the
militants this year into Osh Oblast, following two thwarted
attacks earlier this month on Batken Oblast. Visiting Batken
Oblast on 19 August together with Defense Minister Esen Topev
and Security Council secretary General Bolot Djanuzakov,
President Askar Akaev called for resolute action to repel the
invaders, according to Interfax. Also on 19 August, Batken
Oblast governor Mamat Aibalaev called for restricting access
to the oblast by foreigners, who, he argued, could be taken
hostage by the Islamist fighters. LF
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