OSH, Kyrgyzstan -- Kyrgyz security forces say they have arrested eight more suspected snipers in the southern city of Osh, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Timur Sharshenaliev, the press secretary of the Osh City Commandant's Office, told RFE/RL today that the detained individuals had sniper rifles when they were arrested. He said they are currently being interrogated.
He did not provide any further details about the suspects.
Officials announced on June 16 that four suspected snipers were detained by security troops in Osh.
Kyrgyzstan's interim government had stated on June 15 that supporters of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev hired snipers to provoke ethnic clashes between local Uzbeks and Kyrgyz.
Tens of thousands of Osh residents have fled their homes due to the ethnic unrest that began on June 11. Nearly 200 people have reportedly died in the unrest and at least 2,000 have been injured.
Timur Sharshenaliev, the press secretary of the Osh City Commandant's Office, told RFE/RL today that the detained individuals had sniper rifles when they were arrested. He said they are currently being interrogated.
He did not provide any further details about the suspects.
Officials announced on June 16 that four suspected snipers were detained by security troops in Osh.
Kyrgyzstan's interim government had stated on June 15 that supporters of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev hired snipers to provoke ethnic clashes between local Uzbeks and Kyrgyz.
Tens of thousands of Osh residents have fled their homes due to the ethnic unrest that began on June 11. Nearly 200 people have reportedly died in the unrest and at least 2,000 have been injured.
