Security Clampdown In Jalal-Abad After Ethnic Clash

JALAL-ABAD, Kyrgyzstan -- Local authorities have increased security measures in Kyrgyzstan's Ala-Buka district in Jalal-Abad Oblast after several dozen Kyrgyz and ethnic Uzbek youths clashed there.

Local police chief Malik Nurdinov told RFE/RL the clashes took place in the village of Safid-Bulan late on May 16.

Several teenagers required medical treatment and one remains hospitalized.

It is not clear what sparked the violence.

Nurdinov said he traveled to the village to investigate the situation personally.

Jalal-Abad and neighboring Osh Oblast were hit by major clashes between Kyrgyz and ethnic Uzbek residents in June 2010.

At least 447 people were killed then and thousands more injured and displaced.