4 cyclists killed in Tajikistan

[Pamirski]

Very sad, my sympathy goes to the relatives.
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/30/asia/amiercans-killed-tajikistan-hit-and-run/index.html

[AreWeThereYet?]

Also reported on the Beeb:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-45004059

[thijsbroekkamp]

Claimed by Islamic State terrorists now. Really sucks that they are now getting more active in Tajikistan as well, hopefully the border areas in the pamirs won't get too unsafe.

[AreWeThereYet?]

Whilst it's obviously sad news (seeing wahhabism in such a great part of the world is disheartening) I wouldn't be too hasty in considering the Pamirs unsafe. I'm not familiar with the place where the attack happened, but it doesn't seem to be on the Highway or even in the GBAO, right? Besides, Khorog/Wakhan/Murghab are mostly Ismaili if I'm not mistaken, whom daesh and other wahhabi cretins consider almost heretic...

[SteveL]

I believe it occurred on the main road for cyclists taking the south route through kulob. The vehicle was found in a town nearby, away from the main road.

Either way, it shouldn't be taken for granted that Tajikistan does not have a history of attacks like this. There's no pattern, so it's more likely to be a one off than a trend. Daesh claimed responsibility, but the Tajik government has blamed an exiled islamist political party (who deny it).

[steven]

Daesh claimed responsibility, but the Tajik government has blamed an exiled islamist political party (who deny it).

https://eurasianet.org/s/tajikistan-a-m ... -young-man

[Lovetheworld]

This is closer to the capital then to Pamir highway and its border areas. I compare it to being at home in Europe where some crazy guy attacks people. Same kind of (low) chance.

[thijsbroekkamp]

Very interesting situation to follow now with the government wrongfully accusing that party.
I'd say the chances in Europe or United States for an attack are even way higher, comparing the number of terrorist incidents and deaths in Tajikistan with Europe and United States is actually quite shocking and surprised a few of my friends and family who now thought traveling to Tajikistan is very unsafe.

Also Steven, props for your piece about terrorism in Central-Asian countries on the caravanistan website, hitting the nail on the head man!

[Pamirski]

There is a difference though.
While in Europe you are a target among many million other targets if they aim at westerners, in Tajikistan there is not such a mass to hide in.

[Lovetheworld]

Yeah I was thinking we didnt take that road (we took the Northern road) but it was close to Dushanbe anyway. So how easy is it to continue to some hostel.

Anyway I think there is no real base for terrorism. Just some guys who joined IS over the internet and planned an attack, now they're dead.