One person killed and dozens wounded in an exchange of fire between Tajik army forces and Kyrgyz border guards • The two countries moved forces to the border area and buildings were destroyed
A Kyrgyz army building set on fire in clashes
Winds of war in Central Asia: One person was killed and dozens were injured in heavy exchanges of fire between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan around the common border between the two countries.
The clashes, which began as a brawl between local residents on both sides of the border earlier this week, escalated rapidly as both sides mustered military reinforcements for the disputed area.
Kyrgyzstan media have released videos showing armored columns entering the Batken province, an area of many enclaves on the border between the two countries.
Tajik army forces have been documented by social media surfers setting fire to and destroying buildings belonging to Kyrgyzstan at the border crossing between the countries.
Along with the armored forces, mortar shells, small arms fire and soldiers from both sides were reported to have opened heavy fire on both sides of the border.
"The situation on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is out of control, the shooting is incessant. Soldiers are running through the streets and shouting, 'This is a complete commotion,'" said Mufkhan Tuleev, deputy chairman of the Russian government's Interfax agency.
Videos uploaded from the battlefield show forces on both sides, escorting civilians, engaged in fighting and threatening soldiers on the other side.
The governments in Bishkek and Dushanbe have not issued a statement on the issue and it is unclear whether the clashes are aimed from above or not.
The government in Kyrgyzstan has declared a state of emergency around the city of Batken.