Hundreds of Uzbeks attack Kyrgyz border post - report

6 January 2013, 22:02 (GMT+04:00)

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Several hundred residents in the Uzbek enclave of Sokh on Sunday attacked a Kyrgyz border guard base, the AKIpress news agency reported.

The incident took place when a large group of residents from the Uzbek village of Khushyar attacked Kyrgyz frontier guards who were erecting supports for electricity transmission lines in Kyrgyzstan's Batken region, RIA Novosti reported.

The villagers tried to seize firearms from the frontier guards, injuring some in the process.

The guards did not use their weapons.

Two vehicles were burned and a passing bus stopped and attacked, the agency said.

According to some sources, several passengers were taken hostage.

The Kyrgyz border guard service has declined to comment on the incident.

Local media reports say Kyrgyz border service commanders have arrived at the scene to negotiate with the Uzbek side.