Uzbekistan has banned the import, sale and use of pilotless drone aircraft, citing air safety and security concerns.
Media reports in the tightly controlled Central Asian nation say that Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyaev signed an order on December 1 and that the ban comes into force on January 1, 2015.
The order reportedly says its purpose is to secure flight safety and prevent the unsanctioned use of Uzbekistan's air space.
The order will be enforced by Uzbekistan's Interior Ministry, the State Border Guard Committee, the State Tax Committee and the State Customs Committee.
State-controlled media outlets and officials have been told to inform citizens "about accountability and possible legal consequences" of the use of drones, but it was not immediately clear what the consequences might be.
