High-profile operation at the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border: Gunfire and mass arrests

On the evening of July 5, events reminiscent of an action movie unfolded at the largest border checkpoints between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Officers from the Batken regional department of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) of Kyrgyzstan, together with fighters from the 'Alfa' special unit, conducted a large-scale anti-corruption special operation at the 'Kadamjay-Avtoyul' and 'Chechme-Avtoyul' posts.

Clash at the post: Shots fired at special forces

The process of detaining border, customs, and veterinary service employees suspected of corruption and extortion began with an unexpected clash. As special service officers were entering the 'Kadamjay-Avtoyul' checkpoint area, a soldier on duty near the barrier suddenly opened fire on them.

In addition, another military serviceman fired warning shots into the air. The legality and true reasons for the use of weapons are currently being investigated by the military prosecutor's office.

Confiscated millions and video evidence

During the rapid search operations, large amounts of cash and physical evidence were found on the suspects. According to reports, the funds were distributed as follows:

• From border service personnel: 38,500 Kyrgyz soms and 5,484,000 Uzbek soms were confiscated. Also, 200,000 Uzbek soms were found in the trunk of a service vehicle (JAC-3202). The driver claimed this money was set aside to buy seat covers for the car.

• From customs service personnel: 100,000 Kyrgyz soms and US dollars were seized (the exact amount of foreign currency is currently being clarified).

• At the 'Chechme-Avtoyul' post: The moments when two employees were illegally collecting money from passengers were captured directly on video surveillance cameras.

Mass arrests and border collapse

As a result of the operation, a total of 27 military servicemen (11 from 'Chechme', 16 from 'Kadamjay') were taken to the SCNS department for investigation. Two AK-74 assault rifles and 60 live cartridges were confiscated from the detained military personnel.

Due to the investigative actions, both checkpoints were forced to temporarily suspend operations. This caused an unexpected major traffic jam and logistical crisis at the border between the two countries.

Situation at the border: When the posts were closed, about 3,000 passengers and over 400 light and heavy vehicles were left waiting in line in the border area. Once the situation stabilized, traffic through the 'Kadamjay-Avtoyul' point was restored.

So far, the Kyrgyz SCNS has not provided an official comment regarding this high-profile special operation involving the use of weapons. However, information from the scene shows that the fight against corruption in the border system has reached a strictly uncompromising stage.