BISHKEK (Archyde.com) – Kyrgyzstan said on Thursday it had received renewed artillery fire from Tajikistan even following a ceasefire took effect over the border clashes with Tajikistan.
The Kyrgyz side said Tajik forces armed with tanks and mortars had entered Kyrgyz territory and shelled the airport and surrounding areas. About 18,500 people have already been evacuated from the area, the Russian news agency RIA said, citing the Red Cross.
Kyrgyzstan President Japarov and Tajikistan President Rahmon agreed to a ceasefire and order the withdrawal of troops at a meeting in Uzbekistan, where the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit is being held.
According to the Kyrgyz border guard, the ceasefire will go into effect at 4:00 p.m. local time (7 p.m. Japan time). Tajikistan authorities also confirmed that the ceasefire had been agreed.
The two former Soviet republics in Central Asia have long had border problems. Three people, including civilians, have been killed and dozens injured so far in armed clashes that began this week. On 16th, both sides accused each other of using heavy weapons such as tanks and mortars. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging immediate action to resolve the situation through political and diplomatic channels.