“Clashes in and around Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe have killed 17 people. The interior ministry said eight policemen were killed in the attacks, in the town of Vahdat just outside Dushanbe and at a central interior ministry building. Officials blamed sacked Deputy Defence Minister Gen Aduhalim Nazarzoda, saying he was leading a “terrorist group”.

“The US embassy said it had closed and warned that the clashes “may be precursors to other acts of violence”.

“The unrest is rare for Tajikistan and comes after recent renewed controversy of the role of Islam in public life in the country, which is majority Muslim but has had a secular political order since independence.”
“In recent years economic hardship has been seen as a contributing to a renewed interest in Islam – including more radical forms – among young Tajiks.” (Coordination Center)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/tajikistan/11845309/Tajikistan-clashes-leave-17-dead-in-violence-blamed-on-top-official.html