As the weekend ended, the ethnic violence that began Thursday in the southern city of Osh spread to Kyrgyzstan’s second largest province, Jala-Abad. The prime target of these attacks has been Uzbek minorities who live in Kyrgyzstan. According to local news reports, mobs were setting fire to Uzbek homes and businesses. Around 75,000 people have fled into neighboring Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan’s government has turned to Russia for help in quelling the violence that is ripping apart its country. Moscow promised to send paratroopers, mainly to protect its military base near the capital city of Bishkek. The U.S. also has a military base outside of Bishkek, which has been a conduit of supplies for the war in Afghanistan.

On Monday morning, Russian Ministries received news from its national affiliate, the Association for Spiritual Renewal (ASR), in Ukraine that the situation in Kyrgyzstan is rapidly deteriorating.

ASR also received a communication from the national director of Evangelism Explosion in Kyrgyzstan that described shooting, violent mobs and closed businesses and stores. The national director also reported that believers are trying to help those affected by the violence.

Russian Ministries, ASR and national Christian leaders in Central Asia are developing strategic ministries that will help advance God’s work in this region.

Read more about the unrest in Kyrgyzstan.

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