Uzbek border guards’ actions deemed lawful in fatal shooting of Kyrgyz citizens

According to Uzbekistan’s State Security Service Border Troops, the actions of Uzbek border guards – who opened fire in an incident that resulted in the deaths of two Kyrgyz citizens – were found to be justified.

On 15 August, two unidentified individuals were spotted near the Ugam-Chatkal nature reserve in Bostanlyk district, Tashkent region. Border patrol officers ordered them to stop, but they attempted to flee. The patrol fired multiple warning shots into the air.

When the individuals ignored lawful orders and continued moving toward the state border, border guards used firearms as a last resort. Both men were wounded and died at the scene despite receiving first aid from soldiers.

During inspection of the site, officers discovered a tent, three horses, food supplies, and traces of a third individual who managed to escape. Kyrgyz and Kazakh border authorities were notified of the incident the same day.

On 31 August, the deceased were identified as Kyrgyz citizens, and their bodies were handed over to relatives.

Following an agreement between the heads of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan’s border agencies, a joint inspection of the scene took place on 2–3 September.

“The investigation confirmed that the border patrol acted in accordance with Uzbek law, that the above-mentioned Kyrgyz citizens violated the state border, and that a third person managed to retreat and hide in Kyrgyz territory. An agreement was reached to identify this individual and take appropriate measures,” the statement said.

The report added that, to prevent similar incidents, both sides agreed to conduct awareness campaigns among border residents and strengthen cooperation in protecting difficult mountainous terrain.