The
British Foreign & Commonwealth Office advise against all
but essential travel to Andizhan in eastern Uzbekistan until
further notice. An armed gang attacked a prison and a military unit
in Andizhan in eastern Uzbekistan on 13 May 2005, releasing
inmates, amongst them political prisoners. Around 2,000 protesters
reportedly gathered in Andizhan town square, some occupying the
Mayor's office. Government troops are reported to have opened
fire on protestors. Local authorities have confirmed that several
were killed. Eye-witnesses have put the figure of dead in the
hundreds.
Uzbekistan's borders are potential flashpoints and some are
mined. There were reports on 14 May of unrest on the border with
Kyrgystan. You should avoid all but essential travel to areas
bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
There is a high threat from terrorism in Uzbekistan. Indiscriminate
attacks could occur in public places where foreigners may gather
including, but not limited to, bars, restaurants, hotels,
nightclubs and bazaars. Pay attention to any security announcements
by the Uzbek authorities.
On 13 May 2005, a suspected suicide bomber was shot dead outside
the Israeli Embassy in Tashkent.
Suicide bombings near the US and Israeli Embassies and at the Uzbek
Prosecutor's Office on 30 July 2004 reportedly killed four
people and injured at least eight. We advise the local British
community to be vigilant and stay in touch with the Embassy.
There have been occasional muggings and petty crime against
foreigners, sometimes by off-duty policemen or those pretending to
be policemen. Keep valuables out of sight and avoid unlit or remote
areas. You should avoid obvious displays of wealth, especially in
rural areas. You should avoid walking alone at night. We understand
that since September 2004 there have been a series of assaults and
murders of young children in Tashkent. The authorities are
investigating the disappearance and murder of a number of young
children between the ages of 9 and 14, some of whom went missing on
their way to or from school. Therefore we would urge all those with
children to be extra careful and to take precautions, such as not
allowing their children to travel to and from school alone and
explaining to children not to engage with strangers.
