Uzbekistan officials report that during a government forces' attack on an area near the residence of President Islam Karimov, 20 suspected terrorists and three police officers were killed. The Uzbek Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that all 20 suspects, including three women, detonated themselves after government forces attacked their hideout. The operation on Tuesday followed explosions in the cities of Tashkent and Bukhara on Sunday and Monday, which left 19 dead and 26 injured. In this context, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State said Secretary of State Colin Powell offered to assist Uzbekistan in investigating this latest violent incident during a phone call with Uzbek leaders. Since the September 11 attacks, Uzbekistan has been considered a major U.S. ally in the war on terrorism.
In Uzbekistan Clashes, 20 Terrorists and 3 Police Officers Killed - 2004-03-31
In Uzbekistan, a government operation resulted in the deaths of 20 suspected terrorists and 3 police officers following a series of deadly explosions in Tashkent and Bukhara. The U.S. has offered assistance in investigating the violence, highlighting Uzbekistan's role as a key ally in the fight against terrorism.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Uzbek government forces conducted an operation that resulted in the deaths of 20 suspected terrorists and three police officers after a series of deadly explosions in Tashkent and Bukhara. The suspects detonated themselves during the attack.
- 20 suspected terrorists, including three women, died in the operation.
- The operation was a response to previous explosions that killed 19 people.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Uzbekistan has faced increasing violence from extremist groups, particularly since the U.S.-led war on terror began, which has led to heightened security measures.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%