Late on September 18th local time, Kyrgyzstan reported that 13 more people were killed in the border clash with Tajikistan , bringing the country's total death toll in the conflict to 59, More than 100 others were injured.
According to a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on September 19, Tajikistan said that the conflict resulted in the death of 35 citizens of the country and at least 20 injured. At least 94 people have been killed so far in the border clashes between the two countries. Kyrgyzstan has declared September 19 a national day of mourning in memory of those killed in the conflict.
On September 14, border guards exchanged fire between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the border area. On the morning of September 16, the conflict escalated, with both sides accusing each other of using heavy weapons. Kyrgyzstan's President Zaparov and Tajikistan's President Rahmon held talks on the sidelines of the SCO summit on the 16th and agreed to a ceasefire. However, the fighting reignited that night and continued on the 17th. According to a report by the TASS news agency on September 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call with Zaparov and Rahmon that day, calling on both sides to avoid further escalation of the border situation. Putin said the two sides should end the conflict "as soon as possible through peaceful, political and diplomatic means". He also confirmed that Russia is ready to provide necessary assistance to ensure the stability of the border areas between the two countries.
