ICRC NEWS 13
The fighting that has been raging around Kofarnikhon, 20 km east of the capital Dushanbe, has already claimed close to 100 victims since violence flared up again on 24 March. More than 30 wounded have been registered in hospitals in Dushanbe which have received ICRC emergency medical supplies. As security conditions are preventing ICRC delegates from reaching Kofarnikhon, the local branch of the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan has delivered medical aid to the local hospital, which is reportedly treating several dozen war wounded.

The ICRC has been working in the country since late 1992. Its activities focus on assistance to detainees and on medical aid for hospitals and other health facilities. Tajikistan is suffering severe hardship as a result of years of conflict between the government and the Islamist opposition and the economic crisis besetting the country.

Further information: Suzanne Berger, ICRC Geneva, tel. ++4122 730 2307