The death toll in riots in the southern Kyrgyz city of Osh has risen to 26 and another 416 people have been hospitalized, the country’s health ministry said on Friday.
Riots broke out in Osh on Thursday night, reportedly after a fight between locals and members of the city's Uzbek population. Groups of youths rampaged through the city, setting fire to cars and buildings and breaking shop windows. Unrest spread across the city and its surrounding region.
Earlier reports said 23 people had died and some 330 were injured during the overnight clashes.
Police said the violence has now been brought under control.
Kyrgyzstan's interim government has imposed a state of emergency in Osh and its surrounding regions until June 20.
More than 1,000 servicemen and police have been deployed to patrol the area and blocks have been set up on the road that leads to the city.
Clashes have become commonplace in Kyrgyzstan since the violent overthrow of the republic's government and president in early April.
BISHKEK, June 11 (RIA Novosti)
