Uzbek leader in Kyrgyzstan says over 200 Uzbeks killed in clashes, 100,000 massed at border

Uzbek leader: 100,000 massed at Kyrgyzstan border

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — The leader of the Uzbek community in Kyrgyzstan says more than 200 Uzbeks have been killed in ethnic rioting in the Central Asian nation and 100,000 Uzbeks have fled to the border.

Jallahitdin Jalilatdinov, who heads the Uzbek National Center, told The Associated Press on Monday that 200 Uzbeks have been buried so far. His figure is much higher than the interim government’s estimate of an overall death toll of 117.

An Associated Press reporter saw at least hundreds of Uzbek refugees fleeing the ethnic violence stuck at a border crossing near Jalal-Abad in no-man’s-land between the boundaries. Border guards allowed Uzbek aid agencies to give the refugees food, water and diapers.

Another AP reporter saw hundreds of Uzbeks who had already crossed the border.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (AP) — The leader of the Uzbek community in Kyrgyzstan says more than 200 Uzbeks have been killed in ethnic rioting in the Central Asian nation.

Zhalalidin Salakhuddinov, who heads the Uzbek National Center, told The Associated Press on Monday that 200 Uzbeks have been buried so far. His figure is much higher than the interim government’s estimate of an overall death toll of 117.

Kyrgyzstan has been rocked by ethnic tensions over the last few days that have undermined the interim government’s attempts to stabilize the country.