Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border conflict: Tensions rise with Russia allies

Kyrgyzstan accuses Tajik forces of using tanks, armored vehicles and mortars * Tajikistan accuses Kyrgyz troops of shelling outposts, seven villages with heavy weaponry.

 A service member of Kyrgyz special operations forces stands guard near Golovnoi water distribution facility outside the village of Kok-Tash in Batken province, Kyrgyzstan May 5, 2021. (photo credit: Vladimir Pirogov/REUTERS)
A service member of Kyrgyz special operations forces stands guard near Golovnoi water distribution facility outside the village of Kok-Tash in Batken province, Kyrgyzstan May 5, 2021.
(photo credit: Vladimir Pirogov/REUTERS)

Kyrgyzstan's border guard service said on Friday that Tajik forces once again opened fire on several of its outposts, an escalation of tension between the Russian allies after a brief confrontation earlier this week.

Kyrgyz border guards were returning fire as clashes took place along the whole length of the border, the service said, adding that Tajik forces were using tanks, armored personnel carriers, and mortars.

In turn, Tajikistan accused Kyrgyz forces of shelling one of its outposts and seven villages with "heavy weaponry." A civilian was killed and three injured, authorities in the Tajik city of Isfara said.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon are both attending a regional security summit in Uzbekistan and are featured among the leaders in a group photograph taken at dinner on Thursday.

 A view shows a burnt armored personnel carrier of Kyrgyz forces near Golovnoi water distribution facility outside the village of Kok-Tash in Batken province, Kyrgyzstan May 5, 2021.  (credit: Vladimir Pirogov/REUTERS)
A view shows a burnt armored personnel carrier of Kyrgyz forces near Golovnoi water distribution facility outside the village of Kok-Tash in Batken province, Kyrgyzstan May 5, 2021. (credit: Vladimir Pirogov/REUTERS)

Why are Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan fighting?

The governors of Kyrgyz and Tajik provinces adjacent to the border were set to meet at a border crossing point and try to defuse the situation, Kyrgyz border guards set.

Clashes over the poorly demarcated border between the two former Soviet republics are frequent, but usually de-escalate quickly, although last year they almost led to an all-out war.

Both host Russian military bases and have close ties with Moscow, which urged a cession of hostilities this week.